Cairo is the capital of Egypt and the largest city in the Middle East. It is an ancient city, founded in 969 AD, and is known as the 'City of a Thousand Minarets' due to its many Islamic monuments. It is also home to the Great Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. CAIRO is an important cultural and economic center in the region, and is often referred to as the 'Egyptian Metropolis'.