Memphis, city and capital of ancient egypt and an important centre during much of Egyptian history. Memphis is located south of the nile river delta, on the west bank of the river, and about 15 miles (24 km) south of modern Cairo. Closely associated with the ancient city’s site are the cemeteries, or necrolipses, of Memphis, where the famous pyramids of Egypt are located. From north to south the main pyramid fields are: giza, Zāwiyat al-ʿAryān, and Dashnur. The Memphis archaeological zone was designated a UNESCO in 1979.