Memphis

Memphis is a name used for multiple places, but it most often refers to two well-known locations: Memphis, Tennessee, in the United States, and ancient Memphis, the capital of ancient Egypt.

Memphis, Tennessee, is a major city in the southwestern part of the state, located on the Mississippi River in the Memphis metropolitan area. It serves as the county seat of Shelby County and is a historical and cultural hub known for its music heritage, including Beale Street and the legacy of blues, soul, and rock and roll. Notable landmarks include Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley, and Sun Studio, famous among early rock musicians. The city functions as a logistics and transportation center, with FedEx’s global hub at Memphis International Airport, and hosts institutions such as the University of Memphis and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Its economy spans transportation, manufacturing, healthcare, and services, and it features a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters.

Ancient Memphis was the capital of ancient Egypt during much of the Old Kingdom and remains an important archaeological site near modern-day Mit Rahina, about 20 kilometers south of Cairo. Founded around 3100 BCE, it served as a political and religious center, especially for the cult of Ptah, and presided over the region for many dynasties before declining in later periods. The site includes temple complexes, monuments, and the nearby necropolis. In 1979, Memphis and its Necropolis were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur.