Summary

• This article surveys the most significant cities in ancient Egypt, from the first capital, Memphis—a political, administrative, and religious hub—to Thebes, the powerful seat of the Middle and New Kingdoms, divided between the temple-rich East Bank and the necropolis West Bank.
• Alexandria, founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, emerged as Egypt’s Hellenistic capital and major intellectual center, home to the famed Library of Alexandria.
• The religious heartland of Heliopolis, with its worship of Ra and the powerful Ben‑Ben Stone, served as a major cult center since the Old Kingdom.
• Abydos, sacred to Osiris and rich in royal burial sites, remained a key cultic city from the Predynastic to the New Kingdom periods.
• Amarna, established by Akhenaten around 1346 BC, represented a radical religious and urban experiment devoted to Aten worship, later abandoned after his death.
• Tanis, in the Nile Delta, became capital during the 21st–22nd Dynasties and was central to political and economic shifts in late pharaonic Egypt.
• This article will seek to uncover the incredible heritage of the historical, religious, and cultural facts about the most magnificent cities in the history of Ancient Egypt.

Ancient Egyptian Cities, over more than 5000 years, have transformed into epic strongholds that shaped the legacy of this immortal nation. All the major ancient Egyptian cities were built on the banks of the Nile River, which represented the bloodstream for the entire civilization. Ancient Egyptian cities and towns were divided into lower and upper regions. The cities around the Mediterranean Sea and the Nile delta were considered lower, like Alexandria, while upper Egypt was the cities located in the deep north, such as Memphis and Thebes.

The cities of ancient Egypt had different functions, as some were political by nature, which housed government workers and officials, while others were also religious in nature. The Nile was the main factor that was a source of fresh water and caused the fertile farmlands, which played an instrumental role in creating cities whose names will last until the end of days. The capitals of ancient Egypt were the largest and the most important. Throughout the history of ancient Egypt, the capital was in a state of transformation and constant change.

Explore the Important Ancient Egyptian Cities

Throughout the history of Egypt, there have been a number of cities that were incredibly significant to the Egyptian kingdom and played a highly pivotal role, which changed the fate of the world and the future. For example, Memphis for a thousand years was the first capital of Egypt, found near the head of the Nile delta, which served as a political, cultural, religious, administrative, and economic center.

Another capital was Thebes throughout 2040 BC to 323 BC from the rise of the middle kingdom to end of the new kingdom & rise of the Ptolemaic period which was divided into the east bank which housed the religious and administrative centers like Luxor Temple, Karnak Temples complex, and the west Bank which was associated with the afterlife and burial sites, including the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, the Valley of the Queens, and more.

Alexandria was also the capital of Egypt during the Hellenistic period, which was founded by Alexander the Great himself. It was a major port and economic hub, known for its famous Library of Alexandria, which was one of the largest and most significant libraries of the ancient world.

The city of Heliopolis was a great and significant religious center that was made for the worship of the sun god Ra, the Bennu Bird, and the BenBen Stone, which stands as a symbol for the creation in Egyptian mythology.

The epic ancient city of Abydos was also an important religious place that is associated with the cult of Osiris, “ The god of the Afterlife” which is filled with some significant ancient Egyptian artifacts and monuments dating from the Predynastic Period to the New Kingdom.

Amarna was the capital city of the late Eighteenth Dynasty that was established in 1346 BC by Pharaoh Akhenaton to be the center for the worship of Aton “Sun Disk,” which layout and architecture differed significantly from traditional Egyptian cities, reflecting Akhenaten’s religious and political reforms. then was later on abandoned after his death in 1332 BC.

The important city of Tanis was a key political and economic center in the northeastern Nile Delta of Egypt that dates at the end of the New Kingdom, where for ages had been an important cultural and religious center for ages, even in the current world.

Cast Your Eyes on the Models of the Ancient Egyptian Cities

All over the world, there are many models located all over the world, both digital and physical, that act as portals connecting both the present and the past, plus offering the precious chance to appreciate and comprehend the inner workings and amazing details that go behind the ancient Egyptian civilization.

Many historians and archaeologists are known to use miniature models for the purpose of visualizing and reconstructing the structure and layout of all the cities and urban centers of ancient Egypt. Modern-day hobbyists and artisans can create detailed dioramas and 3D models of these epic cities, which can truly bring these gems to life. The models offer the chance to look at these cities with deep insights, thus shedding light on the civilization’s culture, technology, and social organization.

Some examples of ancient Egyptian city models include the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s model of Amarna, which accurately depicts the city’s unique layout and architecture. The British Museum’s model of Thebes showcases the vastness and complexity of the city, including the Valley of the Kings and the Karnak Temple Complex. Several websites and software programs offer downloadable 3D models of Egyptian cities, allowing users to explore them virtually.

Learn About the Large Ancient Cities of Egypt

The capitals of ancient Egypt were also the largest cities in all over the ancient Egyptian civilization as during the Old Kingdom (2686-2181 BC) Memphis “Life of the Two Lands” was by far the biggest major political and religious center in all of Egypt who had a massive population between 60,000 and 30,000 inhabitants which makes it by far the largest settlement worldwide between 2250 BC to 1400 BC.

The settlement of Abydos was a sacred city known for its necropolis, a burial site for many pharaohs, and the Osireion, which was a massive subterranean temple dedicated to the god Osiris. Thebes was the capital during parts of the Middle and New Kingdoms and had an area of 93 km2 (36 sq mi) where it housed 40,000 inhabitants in 2000 BC and could have had a population of 75,000 around 900 BC.

Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE, becoming a major center of Hellenistic culture and learning between (332 BC-641 AD), Its area has enlarged with time over more than 2300 years, as its current area is about 1,661 km2 (641 sq mi) with a growing population that exceeds 6 million today.

Amarna was a short-lived city on an area of 8 miles (13 km) of territory on the east bank of the Nile River, built by Akhenaten in the 18th dynasty in his attempt to establish a new religious capital centered on the Aten god. Known for its unique architectural style and religious significance.

Explore the Unique and Innovative Layout of the Ancient Egyptian Cities

Town planning in ancient Egypt was primarily influenced by two important factors; proximity to a water source and the elevation above the Nile to mitigate the annual flooding since the old kingdom, then around the middle kingdom the cities became more organized and planned with walled with grid-like streets and distinct districts for nobility, artisans, and workers, then around the new kingdom a lot of monumental structures rose across the city center as seen in thebes.

Cities typically featured a boundary wall with one or two entrances, a central main street, and narrower side streets where houses were constructed, sharing walls with neighboring houses. The Egyptians employed various water management techniques, including canals, dams, and wells. Administrative buildings, such as government offices and storage facilities, plus religious temples, were often located in or near the center of the city.

Here is a list of the most famous Ancient Egyptian cities:

1. Memphis City

The first-ever capital of Egypt was the city of Memphis from 2950 BC to 2180 BC during the Old Kingdom, and one of the official religious centers as it was the worship center for the holy triad of the creator god Ptah, his wife Sekhmet, and Nefertem. The city of Memphis is located 15 miles south of modern Cairo in Lower Egypt.

The stature of Memphis declined and served as a second capital after the rise of Thebes in the New Kingdom (15570-1070 BC). After the official capital was transferred to Alexandria in 331 BC, and with the rise of Christianity, Memphis was completely abandoned and faded with time. Only a few ruins still exist today, like an alabaster Sphinx and a statue of Ramses II. Near Memphis lies the ancient city of Giza, which holds the great pyramids complex.

2. Thebes City

The great city of Thebes is the most well-known in the history of ancient Egypt. It served as the capital of Egypt around 1279 BC during the New Kingdom (1570-1070 BC). It is located 675 km (419 mi) south of Cairo on the east bank of the Nile. The city was the center of culture, rule, and religion. The city was now called the city of the creator god Amun and was also referred to as Thebai by Homer, the Greek poet who stated Thebes as the city with a thousand gates. The city was the location for some of the most famous and important festivals in ancient Egypt, like the festivals of Opet and Shemu.

Across the history of the new kingdom, various pharaohs like Ramsess II, who constructed the majestic Abu Simbel temples, and Hatshepsut, who constructed the beautiful Hatshepsut temple, both of the pharaohs are buried in the magical Valley of the Kings, plus with the famous boy king Tutankamun. One of the most famous landmarks in Thebes is the great Karnak temple, the biggest religious ancient house of worship in history, and next to it was the enchanting Luxor temple, home to the holy triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Thebes became a world heritage site in 1979 by UNESCO because of the beauty and importance of this place to the history of mankind.

3. Amarna City

One of the most unknown capitals of ancient Egypt is Amarna, which represents the time of the biggest religious conflicts and struggles in ancient Egyptian history. The city was a capital established by Pharaoh Akhenaton (1353-1336 BC) in 1346 BC till his death in 1336 BC the city is located on the east bank of the Nile River, about 312 km (194 mi) south of Cairo and 420 km (250 mi) north of Luxor.

Akhenaton ruled Egypt for 20 years, where he tried to force a monotheist system, the worship of one god, Aten “The Sun Disk“, but after his death, his son Tutankhamen became the ruler, then he amplified the polytheist system once again. The city was constructed with new forms of architecture called Akhetaten. The site is known as Tell el-Amarna due to the Beni Amran tribe who lived in that area. The site holds some of the most beautiful tombs filled with the most mesmerizing inscriptions of the famous Aton, the sun disk.

4. Avaris City

The city of Avaris used to be the capital of ancient Egypt under the Hyksos between 1783 BC and 1550 BC. It is located in the northeastern region of the Nile delta; it lies today at Tel El-Daba. The city was used as a trade center and an administrative location by the Hyksos and traders. The site is an important archaeological site as the ruins and artifacts like copper swords and grave goods found in the city are able to tell a great deal of facts and details about the Hyksos culture.

5. Pi-Ramsess City

The city of Pi-Ramses was the new capital of ancient Egypt in the New Kingdom in the reign of Ramses II (1279-1213), near the city of Avaris. It is located in the northeastern delta next to tell el dab and Qantar. The city was known as the house of Ramses the Great, as it served as his residence for some time, and as Turquoise City. It was known for being very enchanting as it had channels, lakes, and extravagant monuments and artifacts. The city is divided into four parts, each part was named after a different ancient Egyptian god and goddess: Amun, Astarte, Wadjet, and Seth.

6. Thonis City

The lost city of Thonis was the capital in the first dynasty before Memphis; it is located near the ancient city of Abydos in Upper Egypt. It serves as a burial ground for the pharaohs of the first three dynasties. The site played an important role in mythology and religious cosmology, like heaven, which was mentioned in the Book of the Dead. It was known that the city held the tomb and mummy of the regional deity of Osiris. This site was the place where the first tribal confederation was announced and the unification of Upper Egypt by Menes, “Narmer”.

7. Alexandria City

The city of Alexandria has served as the capital of Egypt from 332 BC to 641 AD, The city was constructed by Alexander the Great to be the new center for the Hellenistic civilization in the new world of Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. The city extends for 32 km along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and 138 km (114 mi) northeast of Cairo. The city was highly famous for containing the heavenly library of Alexandria between 285 BC and 247 BC It held about 100,000 to 400,000 parchment scrolls in literature, science, medicine, and every other possible subject. In 48, the library was burned by Julius Caesar.

The city was known for holding one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the lighthouse of Alexandria, as it was the tallest man-made structure at the time. It was constructed between 284 BC and 246 BC and was destroyed by a series of three earthquakes between 956 AD and 1323 AD. The city holds the rare Roman catacombs, which merge the ancient Roman and ancient Egyptian art and culture in the most mesmerizing manner. The city remained the capital for about a thousand years until the Islamic conquest in 641 AD, when the capital was moved to the city of Fustat.

8. Abydos City

The city of Abydos was a place of high importance as it was known as the mythical burial place of Osiris and the home of his cult. It is located in Upper Egypt and is considered by far one of the most important archeological sites in Egypt. The city goes back to the time of the first dynasty, more than 4500 years ago, or even further. The site was used as a burial ground for the king of the first and second dynasties, as the first pharaoh Narmer, Menes‘ the founder of the first dynasty, is buried in the temples of Abydos.

The site was also a location where the Abydos Boats were constructed. The city of Abydos holds the great Osiris temple, one of the oldest and the iconic constructions in ancient Egyptian history. The temple of Seti I is the gem of Abydos, as it is a highly beautiful and significant temple. It contains the Abydos King list, which holds the names of many kings of the first and second dynasties, which helped archaeologists and historians to fully understand ancient Egyptian history in the right manner. It was a favorite burial place for many kings and queens of the old kingdom.

9. Hermopolis City

The ancient city of Hermopolis a.k.a Khumunu is located on the border between Upper and Lower Egypt. The city used to be one of the wealthiest and one of the biggest religious centers in ancient Egypt after Thebes. The city’s history goes back to the times of the old Kingdom; the city was a major player in the Greco-Roman period (332 BC-642 AD), but was completely abandoned after the Islamic conquest in 642 AD. The primary deity of the city was Thoth, the god of magic, healing, and wisdom, and the patron of scribes. The city was also known as the city of Hermes as the messenger Greek god.

10. Crocodilopolis City

The city of Crocodiloplis, also known as Shedet, modern-day Fayyum, the ancient city is located on the western bank of the Nile southwest of the ancient city of Memphis. The city became known as the crocodile city as it was the worship center for Sobek, the crocodile god.

The city can be traced back to around 4000 BC to the early days of the Old Kingdom, which makes it one of the oldest cities in ancient Egypt. The city had a powerful religious significance and political power as it was located in the most fertile region in Egypt, which made the city act as a haven for growing different kinds of vegetables, flowers, corn, and olives.

11. Elephantine City

The ancient city of Elephantine was an ancient island that stood on the border between Egypt and Nubia. It sits on the north of the first cataract of the Nile River, and it is now considered to be part of Aswan. The city was one of the most important trading sites in ancient Egypt and a strong defensive site. It acted as a religious center for Khnum, the god of the source of the Nile and the annual flooding.

12. Heliopolis City

One of the oldest and most important cities in the history of ancient Egypt is Heliopolis. The city was probably the most important religious center ever created. The city is located in Lower Egypt, in northeastern Cairo. It was known as the city of the sun as it was the cult center for the sun god Atum and his birthplace and the creation of the deities of ancient Egypt, Isis, Geb, Atum (Ra), Nut, Osiris, Set, Tefnut, Nephthys, and Shu.

Its city is famous for being the home of the Bennu bird and the legendary Phoenix. The city was the center of learning in philosophy and astronomy by great Greek scholars like Homer, Plato, Herodotus, and many others.

13. Faiyum

Faiyum is a beautiful city in Middle Egypt filled with heavenly historical and natural wonders that shed light on the evolution of Egypt through the ages. It is 100 kilometers southwest of Cairo within the Faiyum Oasis. It serves as the capital of the Faiyum Governorate and is one of Egypt’s oldest cities due to its strategic location. Originally named Shedet by the ancient Egyptians in the Old Kingdom (c. 2685–2180 BC), which was a center of the cult of the crocodile god Sobek, which made it earn the Greek name “Crocodile City”, the Greeks referred to it as Crocodilópolis and later as Arsinoë.

The city’s modern name, Faiyum, is derived from the Coptic word “epʰiom/peiom,” meaning the Sea or the Lake, reflecting its proximity to Lake Moeris. Under the Ptolemaic Kingdom, it was called Ptolemais Euergétis and later renamed Arsinoë by Ptolemy II Philadelphus. During the Roman Empire, it became part of the province of Arcadia Aegypti. With the advent of Christianity, Arsinoë became a bishopric seat.

Faiyum gained historical importance by discovering over 2,000 papyrus documents known as the Zenon Archive, providing insights into 3rd-century BC Philadelphia society and economy. The city is also renowned for the Faiyum mummy portraits and death masks painted during the Roman occupation.

The city experiences a hot desert climate, and temperatures range from 46 °C (115 °F) to 2 °C (36 °F). Faiyum today has large bazaars, mosques, and a weekly market, plus the city features notable landmarks such as the Hanging Mosque, Hawara archaeological site, Lahun Pyramids, Qaitbay Mosque, Qasr Qarun, Wadi Elrayan, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wadi Al-Hitan (Valley of Whales).

14. Bubastis

Bubastis or Tell-Basta or Per-Bast was a highly significant ancient Egyptian city found in the Delta region of Lower Egypt southwest of Tanis along the River Nile which served as the capital of the nome of Am-Khent in Lower Egypt. Bubastis held significance as a center for the worship of the feline cat goddess Bastet as it was known as Per-Bast which means “House of Bast” which acted as a primary location in Egypt for the mummification of cats. Greeks identified Bastet with the Greek goddess Artemis. The cat was revered as the sacred animal of Bast, represented with the head of a lioness or a cat, frequently seen alongside the god Ptah in inscriptions.

Bubastis became the primary repository in Egypt for cat mummies. Key features of Bubastis included its oracle of Bast, a splendid temple dedicated to the goddess, and an annual procession in her honor. The increase of Greek settlers into the heart of the area of the Delta heightened the oracle’s popularity, as the identification of Artemis with Bast attracted both foreigners and the Egyptians. The Bubastis festival was considered the most elaborate and joyous in the Egyptian calendar and featured prominently in the city’s cultural life for ages.

Bubastis has a rich history spanning various dynasties, which explains why it witnessed significant events during the Second Dynasty and gained prominence as a royal residence in the Twenty-Second Dynasty under Shoshenq I’s rule. The city reached its peak during the 22nd and 23rd dynasties but faced a decline after being conquered by Cambyses II in 525 BC.

The Twenty-Second Dynasty included Bubastite kings, and under Persian rule, the city saw its walls dismantled, leading to further decline. In later centuries, Christian bishops were mentioned in historical documents, and archaeological excavations, including the Tell Basta Project since 2008, have provided valuable insights into the city’s history. Notable discoveries include the tomb of the New Kingdom vizier Iuty in 1964 and a well-preserved copy of the Decree of Canopus in 2004.

15. Hierakonpolis

Hierakonpolis or Nekhen was famous for being the religious and political capital of Upper Egypt around 3200 to 3100 BC and possibly during the Early Dynastic Period in the honorable lands of Aswan. This prehistoric marvel stretches about 2 miles (3 km) along the desert margin, filled with many priceless treasures and incredible facts. It was associated with the hawk deity of the sky and divine protection, Horus, and housed one of the oldest known ancient Egyptian tombs with painted decorations that date back to 3500 & 3200 BC.

The city’s importance persisted despite conflicts with rival cities, particularly Abydos. The city remained active through the Middle Kingdom, Second Intermediate Period, and New Kingdom. Excavations in the late 19th century revealed the “Main Deposit,” which housed important artifacts like the Scorpion Macehead and the Legendary Narmer palette that depicts the first king wearing both crowns of Upper and Lower Egypt. Later excavations in 1905–06 uncovered a Predynastic cemetery beneath a misidentified ‘fort,’ providing insights into burial practices.

Ongoing excavations revealed more about Nekhen’s structure, including a mud-brick enclosure by King Khasekhemwy. The site’s ritual structure was built on a prehistoric cemetery and faced preservation challenges. Many discoveries in 1998 included ritual masks and obsidian linked to Ethiopian quarry sites. Cylinder seals at Nekhen depict scenes of an ancient Egyptian king smiting captive enemies, showing Egypt-Mesopotamia relations. The site also produced finely decorated pre-dynastic palettes featuring Mesopotamia-inspired animals and early hieroglyphs.

Nekhen is renowned for having the oldest known tomb with a mural, depicting religious scenes and animals. Interpretations connect it to foreign artifacts like the Gebel el-Arak Knife. In 2009, the oldest zoological collection was discovered, which dates to 3500 BC, featuring 14 species of animals with evidence of broken bones that belong to leopards, elephants, baboons, hippopotami, crocodiles, hartebeest, and African wildcats.

16. Al Ashmunin

Hermopolis is a legendary city filled with a lot of myth and history, which gained the name Hermopolis Magna, which was a significant city found on the borders between Upper and Lower Egypt. It was the capital of the Hare nome during the Old Kingdom, then later developed into a major city of Roman Egypt, which served as an early Christian center from the 3rd century.

It was abandoned entirely after the Muslim conquest, but restored later as both a Latin Catholic and a Coptic Orthodox titular see. The city’s Egyptian name ”Khemenu” meant “Eight-Town” referring to a group of eight primordial deities called the Ogdoad, which was worshiped there. In Koine Greek, it was called “The City of Hermes” due to the association of the messenger god Hermes with the center cult of the god of knowledge, wisdom, magic, & writings Thoth.

Hermopolis was the center for the worship of the principal deities of Typhon (Set) and Thoth, the latter being associated with Hermes by the Greeks. The surviving remnants of the city include the temple with sculptures of the ibis-headed god Thoth and a basilica built in the 5th century. Hermopolis faced many challenges and changes under Muslim rulers who repurposed its structures under the new culture. The city gained fame as being of the places where the holy family sought refuge during their exile in Egypt.

The city’s stones were either burned for lime or repurposed for building materials. A surviving Oxyrhynchus Papyrus from the 3rd century AD revealed the existence of high-rise buildings up to seven-story in the heart of the town. Within the city, there was the great Hermopolis temple, which features an enchanting portico and prominent sculptures of the ibis-headed god Thoth, along with emblems like the ibis and Cynocephalus monkey. With time, the Ptolemies made many great and extensive constructions in the area, which blended Greek influence with ancient Egyptian artistic design.

The only surviving part of the temple includes a portico with double rows of pillars, which features a magical selection of paints that come in yellow, red, and blue bands, plus very significant designs that enhance its architectural distinctiveness. What adds to the beauty of the temple is a 5th-century Coptic Basilica featuring some of the most artistic Coptic designs that were preserved over time. In the city, there is a small open-air museum found near the temple, which holds two huge statues of Thoth that look like baboons worshipping the sun.

17. Tanis

Tanis is a significant archaeological city with a vast and important history and culture that still echoes in our current world. It is located in the northeastern Nile Delta of Egypt in the Governorate of Sharqia, near the ancient cities of Pi-Ramesses (Qantir) and Avaris (Tell el-Dab’a). The exploration of Tanis dates back to 1798 during Napoléon Bonaparte’s expedition to Egypt, plus several excavations have been conducted in this place for ages. Tanis rose to fame in the New Kingdom during the 19th Dynasty as the capital of the 14th nome of the Lower of Egypt during this period.

The city’s existence is confirmed in many documents of the 20th Dynasty. Tanis’ earliest buildings, dating to the 21st Dynasty, were constructed after the abandonment of the capital of Pi-Ramesses due to the silting up of the nile’s Pelusiac branch. Tanis then became the headquarters of power for the 21st and 22nd Dynasties, alongside Bubastis. The rulers of these dynasties, like the rest of the kings of the new kingdom, asserted their legitimacy through their traditional titles and their building structures, notably the Great Temple of Amun-Ra, which held about 20 large obelisks that once adorned various pylons, similar to other ancient Egyptian temples.

The Tanite triad consisted of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu, identical to Thebes’ triad, leading to Tanis being called the “northern Thebes”. In the 22nd Dynasty, Tanis lost its reputation as a royal center but later became the capital of the 19th nome of Lower Egypt. In the 30th Dynasty, the city of Tanis witnessed a new wave of building projects during the Ptolemaic age. The city remained inhabited until its total abandonment in the age of the Romans. In Late Antiquity, Tanis served as the seat of bishops who worked and followed under the command of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Tanis contains a number of ruins of temples, such as a royal necropolis dating to the 3rd Intermediate Period, which has intact pharaonic burials of Amenemope, Psusennes I, and Shoshenq II, and the chief temple of Amun.  Archaeological discoveries in 2009 included a sacred lake in the Mut temple, while high-resolution satellite imagery in 2011 revealed an entire city plan beneath the surface.

The biblical tale of Moses in the marshlands of the Nile River is often associated with Tanis. In popular culture, Tanis is depicted fictitiously in the film “Raiders of the Lost Ark”. The Tanis fossil site is linked to the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event, which is named after the city.

18. Rosetta “Rasheed”

For ages, Rosetta has stood as a portal to Egypt by several foreign forces that have had a pivotal and life-changing effect on the culture of Egypt. This historic port city is situated 65 km to the east of Alexandria within Egypt’s Beheira governorate. Its origins trace back to the 9th century AD, emerging on the grounds of the ancient town of Bolbitine. The city gained prominence following the decline of Alexandria in the aftermath of the Ottoman conquest of Egypt in 1517.

While Rosetta’s importance waned with Alexandria’s resurgence, the 19th century saw it transform into a favored British tourist destination, celebrated for its Ottoman mansions, citrus groves, and commitment to cleanliness. Rosetta is mostly famous for being the place where the Rosetta stone was discovered in July 1799 by Bouchard during the Napoleonic campaign in Egypt by Pierre-François, a French officer who played the main role in the deciphering of hieroglyphics and Demotic scripts.  The name “Rosetta” is believed to have derived from the Arabic name Rašīd, signifying “guide.”

Over time, the city’s name underwent transcription and corruption, leading to variations like “Rexi” used by Crusaders and “Rosette” adopted by the French during Napoleon Bonaparte’s campaign. Rosetta’s historical narrative unfolds through various ages, including its role as a Umayyad stronghold and its growth during the Abbasid era. The city actively engaged in foreign trade during the Fatimid state and witnessed commercial activity during the Ayyubid state.

Challenges arose during the Seventh Crusade in 1249, and Rosetta played a part in naval campaigns in the 15th century. During Mameluke rule, Rosetta became a significant commercial hub until the construction of the Mahmoudiyah canal in 1820 shifted the center of importance back to Alexandria. The city witnessed the thwarting of the British Fraser campaign on September 19, 1807. The city acts today as a vital port city and a marvelous tourist attraction.

19. Sais “Sa Al Hagar”

Sais was a marvelous ancient city found in the Western Nile Delta along the Canopic branch of the Nile, which acted as the provincial capital for Sap-Meh, which was the fifth nome of Lower Egypt. It rose to prominence during the Twenty-fourth and Twenty-sixth Dynasties of Egypt, and its remnants are now found in the present-day town of Sa el-Hagar.

The city’s roots extend to the Neolithic period in the form of a settlement dating back to 5000 BC. The town’s history started as a fishing camp, then transformed into an agricultural community during the Early to Late Neolithic phases around 4600 BC. The Greek historian Herodotus associated Sais with the grave of Osiris, while the city’s patron goddess “Neith” had been worshipped since the First Dynasty of Egypt. Both Herodotus and Plato linked Neith to Athena and proposed a connection to Athens.

Sais played a role during the Islamic conquest of Egypt, witnessing battles and maintaining significance until the early 700s. The city fell into disrepair by the late medieval period, ultimately becoming a stone quarry. One noteworthy aspect of Sais was its medical school, affiliated with the Temple of Sais. This institution featured female students and faculty specializing in gynecology and obstetrics.

Inscriptions from that period confirm the existence of this unique women’s school and attest to the teachings imparted there. In Plato’s Timaeus and Critias, written around 395 BC, Sais is the city where Solon, a Greek legislator, hears the story of Atlantis from an Egyptian priest.

The tale includes details of Atlantis’ military aggression against Greece and Egypt, its eventual defeat, and its destruction by a catastrophic event caused by the gods. Solon visited Egypt in 590 BC, two centuries before Plato’s account, and Sais is mentioned as the birthplace of the pharaoh Amasis II. The city of Sais is also featured in the video game Assassin’s Creed Origins, where it is portrayed as under the control of a member of the Order of the Ancients named “The Scarab.”

20. Naqada “Naqadah”

Naqada is a striking spot that is located on the west bank of the Nile in Qena Governorate, about 20 km north of Luxor, and encompasses the villages of Tukh, Khatara, Danfiq, and Zawayda. One of the elements that makes the city unique is that residents preserved elements of the Coptic language until the 1930s. Naqada is found near a prehistoric Egyptian necropolis previously known as Ombos, which served as the focal point for the cult of Set, the god of chaos, war, and scorched desert. Many tombs were constructed in this area around 3500 BCE.

The wealth of artifacts discovered in Naqada has played a crucial role in dating the entire archaeological period in Egypt and its surroundings. The town’s name, Naqada, is associated with the pre-dynastic Naqada culture spanning from 4400 to 3000 BCE. Other archaeological sites related to the Naqada culture include el Badari, the Gerzeh culture, and Nekhen. In popular culture, the Stargate franchise, there is a mineral called naquada, named after the archaeological site, which alien civilizations extensively utilize.

21. Kom Ishqaw

Per-Wadjet is a majestic ancient Egyptian town found in the 10th Upper Egyptian nome, which corresponds to the contemporary village of Kom Ishqau. Its historical roots extend back to the New Kingdom era, which functioned as a significant cult site for the goddess of love and joy, Hathor, who was identified with Wadjet. The Greeks, equating Hathor with the Greek goddess Aphrodite, referred to the town as Aphroditopolis or Aphrodito. During Greek and Roman times, Per-Wadjet occasionally served as the capital of the nome.

The village of Kom Ishqau saw the discovery of papyri belonging to Dioscorus of Aphrodito, a resident in the 6th century A.D, which provides valuable insights into life during the Byzantine era. An ancient temple dating back 2,200 years was discovered featuring inscriptions linked to Ptolemy IV Philopator, which was accidentally uncovered during drilling work for a sewage project in early September 2019, carried out by the Egyptian archaeological mission. inscriptions on the temple walls described Hapi, the God of the Nile, making offerings of diverse ancient Egyptian animals and birds.

22. Menouthis

Menouthis was a sacred city dedicated to the goddess of motherhood, Isis, and the Greek god Serapis of healing and fertility. The city’s name, derived from Isis’s epithet “Mother of God,” reflects its religious significance. It likely sank under the sea due to natural disasters like earthquakes, Nile floods, and rising sea levels around the end of the 2nd century BC.

Menouthis during the Roman period was renowned as an oracular and healing center for the goddess Isis. The main Isis temple within the city contained great religious statues and hieroglyphs. In 391 AD, during the persecution of pagans in the late Roman Empire, the Serapeum was destroyed, and the temple of Isis was closed.

Christian monks took over the temple’s estates. Pope Theophilus of Alexandria later built a Christian shrine at the site. The temple continued clandestine practices until its demolition in 484 AD, and by the 5th century, the Christian shrine replaced it as a healing center. Despite coexistence with the Christian shrine, the temple’s traditional healing function gradually shifted.

The Christian shrine became a major pilgrimage center in the 6th and 7th centuries. In 488–89 AD, statues of classical gods were removed or destroyed, solidifying the Christian shrine’s prominence. “Menouthis” is also the title of a song by E. S. Posthumus, inspired by the ancient city.

23. Al Baqliyyah

The marvelous Hermopolis or Hermopolis Parva in Greek refers to two cities in ancient Egypt. One served as the capital of Tehuti, the 15th nome of Lower Egypt, located just below the city of Thmuis. The present-day site is identified as Tell al-Naqus near Al Baqliyyah, with ancient Egyptian names for the city being Ba’h and Weprehwy or Rehehui. The second Hermopolis Parva was the capital of the 7th nome of Lower Egypt, now recognized as Damanhur. This city in ancient Egypt was known as A-ment or Iment.

24. Dandera

Dendera is a charming town with a rich history located on the west bank of the Nile River, which is positioned just 5 kilometers south of Qena and about 60 kilometers north of Luxor. One of its notable features is the well-preserved Dendera Temple complex, which is considered one of the best-preserved and oldest temple sites from ancient Upper Egypt. The city incorporates the name of the chief goddess Hathor with Coptic and Greek roots. The modern Arabic name of the town is derived from either its Greek or Coptic name.

The Dendera Temple complex is the heart and soul of the city, which is renowned for being the home to the Temple of Hathor that stands out as one of the best-preserved temples in Upper Egypt, covering an expansive 40,000 square meters enclosed by a substantial mud brick wall. The Temple of Hathor was constructed around July 54 BC during the Ptolemaic dynasty under Ptolemy XII and later completed by the Roman emperor Tiberius. The temple, built on foundations dating back to Khufu in 2600 BC and established by Pharaoh Pepi I Meryre.

The complex is famous for housing the renowned zodiacs, now exhibited at the Louvre Museum in Paris. There are Roman and pharaonic Mammisi (birth houses), remains of a Coptic church, and a small chapel dedicated to Isis from the Roman or Ptolemaic era. Dendera’s history includes its existence as Tentyris in the Late Roman province of Thebais Secunda. It housed a bishopric that was part of the larger Ptolemais Hermiou.

Although little is known about the early Christian history of Dendera, two ancient bishops, Pachomius the Great and Serapion or Aprion, are mentioned. During the late Ottoman Empire, the town adopted its present Arabic name,”Denderah”. The episcopal see, known under the Latin name Tentyris, was reestablished as a titular bishopric in 1902 but has remained vacant since 1972. At its peak, Dendera governed over 6000 inhabitants in the Qena district.

25. Kafr Al Meqdam

Kafr Al Muqdam, also known as Leontopolis, stands as the modern identity of an ancient Egyptian city found in the Nile Delta of Lower Egypt in Damietta governorate. This historic locale, functioning both as Metropolitan Archbishopric and a provincial capital under the name Leontopolis in Augustamnica during its heyday. The city’s traditional Greek moniker, “Leontopolis,” meaning “city of lions,” gained ascendancy, gradually eclipsing its native Egyptian name, Taremu.

Even after the end of Ptolemaic Egypt by Rome, Leontopolis retained its distinct Greek character, noted in Latin sources as oppidum Leontos. The city’s demographic qualities manifested in cultural and linguistic shifts over time. It was governed by Iuput II from 754 to 720/715 BCE, Leontopolis served as the 11th nome of Lower Egypt’s capital during the 23rd dynasty. The Greek nomenclature originated from temples venerating lioness goddesses Sekhmet and Bast, along with their offspring Maahes “the lion prince”.

These temples housed live lions during the Greek occupation. Strabo acknowledged the nome and its principal town, thus hinting at its recent origin or significance. Leontopolis metamorphosed into the capital of the Roman province known as the Augustamnica Secunda. The archaeological site bears the Arabic designation Tell el-Muqdam, which translates to the “mound of the city”.

26. Thinis

Thinis is one of the oldest cities in the history of the world, as it dates to more than 4000 BC, which acted as the former capital of pre-unification Upper Egypt. It was affirmed by classical historian Manetho as the focal point of the Thinite Confederacy, led by Menes (or Narmer), the pharaoh credited with unifying Egypt. After unification, the capital shifted to Memphis, leading to Thinis’ decline during the First Intermediate Period. Despite its uncertain location, Thinis’ historical and religious importance endures in ancient texts and archaeological findings.

Scholars place Thinis near ancient Abydos and modern Girga, emphasizing its religious significance as a burial site for a regional deity and its mythical role in ancient Egyptian astronomy and cosmology, plus it was mentioned in the Book of the Dead as a mythical place in heaven. Each nome of Thinis housed the tomb and mummy of its deceased nome-god, notably Anhur, who is known as the “bull of Thinis.” Anhur led the local ennead and was worshipped both in life and death. The high priest, titled the first prophet or chief of seers, presided over Anhur’s temple. Thinis’ significance is highlighted in rituals associated with the god Osiris.

It was caught between rival dynasties and faced challenges, but it remained strategically important due to its proximity to oases in the Old and New Kingdoms. Thinis remained significant, serving as the capital of Upper Egypt’s nome VIII. It played a role in political conflicts during the First Intermediate Period and later came under Theban control. Its administrative status waned during the Roman period.

27. Sakha “Xois”

Sakha “Xois” is a magical ancient town in the Kafr El Sheikh Governorate of Egypt, which is located in the Nile Delta. Its historical significance lies in its connection to the ancient Egyptian city of Khasut or Khaset, which is positioned on an island formed by the Sebennytic and Phatnitic branches of the Nile. Xois belonged to the Sebennytic Nome and later became the capital of the Xoite Nome. During the 14th Dynasty of Egypt, Xois had 76 Xoite kings, predating the Hyksos rule in the 2nd Intermediate Period.

Although there’s speculation about Xois resisting or compromising with the Hyksos, modern Egyptologists generally place the dynasty’s base in Avaris in the eastern Delta. It served as a significant waypoint on the road from Tamiathis to Memphis. In the Roman and Byzantine eras, Xois was a Christian diocesan center, retaining its importance until at least 700. By the 900s, Sakha was described as a large city by Ibn Hawqal and later served as the capital of the Gharbia province in the 1200s.

In the late 19th century, Sakha was recorded as a town in the Kafr El Sheikh district with a population of 950. According to Christian tradition, Sakha was visited by the family of Jesus during their Flight into Egypt, and a stone bearing the footprint of Jesus, authenticated by Coptic Pope Shenouda III in 1984, has been associated with miraculous events.

28. Edfu

Edfu is a legendary ancient Egyptian city that carries a lot of respect and honor even today, as it still acts as an important tourist destination. It is situated on the western bank of the Nile River, between Aswan and Esna, which is famous for the Ptolemaic Horus Temple and the ancient settlement of Tell Edfu. The area also holds remains of ancient pyramids about 5 km south of Edfu. The settlement, known as Wetjeset-hor or Apollinopolis Magna, reveals layers of history from the Predynastic Period to the Byzantine period, shedding light on Edfu’s development as a provincial town.

The city is renowned for the Temple of Horus, a well-preserved Ptolemaic temple built between 237 BC and 57 BC. Edfu also features the remains of one of seven small provincial step pyramids, possibly attributed to King Huni of the Third Dynasty, located about 5 km south of the city.

In the Hellenistic and Roman periods, Edfu was known as Apollonopolis Magna, which is famous for having two significant temples dedicated to Noum and a triad with the goddess Athor and Hor-Senet. The larger temple, dating back to Ptolemy VI Philometor in 181 BC which is well-preserved and covered in hieroglyphics. Apollonopolis Magna later became a Christian bishopric and is now listed as a titular see by the Catholic Church.

29. Al Atmaneyah

Qaw el-Kebir, which is known as El Etmannyieh is a marvelous historical village found in Asyut Governorate, known for a rich past reflected in its ancient names “Tjebu” in Ancient Egypt and “Antaeopolis” during the Greeco-Roman Era, deriving its name from the war god Antaeus, its protective deity. During the 12th and 13th dynasties, officials from the 10th nome crafted grand funerary complexes in Tjebu, marking the zenith of non-royal funerary architecture during the Middle Kingdom.

The region also boasts various cemeteries, including the tomb of a New Kingdom governor called “May”. The expansive temple in Qaw el-Kebir was primarily dedicated to “Antaeus” who was a deity embodying a fusion of Seth and Horus, also recognized as Nemtiwey. Featuring an impressive structure with an 18-column pronaos and a 12-column hypostyle hall, the temple was a notable edifice. Nephthys, the principal goddess, received worship in the temple, potentially in a separate shrine dedicated to her.

Tjebu had a recognized Prophet of Nephthys, and visitors can explore remarkable reliefs of Antaeus and Nephthys in nearby cliffside quarries. The site held a Ptolemaic temple built by Ptolemy IV Philopator and later expanded and restored under Ptolemy VI Philometor and Marcus Aurelius, which met its demise in the first half of the 19th century. The city has been the subject of many recent discoveries, like a large granary courtyard and a columned hall from the 2nd Intermediate Period and the remnants of an administrative center that dates to the late Middle Kingdom.

30. Heracleion

The mythical city of Heracleion is a jewel sunk in the heavenly water of the Mediterranean Sea, which is located near the canopic mouth of the Nile River, which is found 32 km northeast of Alexandria on the Mediterranean Sea. What makes that city very unique is its history, which dates to the  12th century BC, and gains great significance during the declining days of the pharaohs. The city was submerged completely due to natural effects, which now lies 7 km off the coast, under 19 ft of water in Abu Qir Bay.

The city held the sanctuary of the prime goddess of creation, Neith, who symbolized the goddess of the cosmos, wisdom, fate, rivers, childbirth, mothers, hunting, weaving, and war. The city was created on one of the Islands of the Nile Delta that features a central temple and canals that served as a prominent trading port and the main hub for international trade and tax collection by the late period.

The city housed a large temple of Khonsou and the temple of Amun. Many sanctuaries belonging to Osiris were found all over the city, which attracted people from all over the country to take part in the healing ritual during the “Mysteries of Osiris” celebrations. Greek historians like Strabo, Diodorus, and Herodotus mentioned Thonis-Heracleion in connection with legendary Greek figures like Heracles and Paris. The city’s decline began in the 2nd century BC when Alexandria surpassed it as Egypt’s primary port.

Natural disasters, possibly a tsunami or earthquake, contributed to its destruction, leading to complete submersion into the sea by the 8th century AD. The city declined in the second century BC when the city of Alexandria became Egypt’s primary port. During the 8th century, the existence of the city itself vanished because of an earthquake or a tsunami, plus the rising of sea water level.

Greek references and legends like Heracles and Paris link Thonis-Heracleion to historical events and mythical narratives. Strabo, Diodorus, and Herodotus provided accounts of the city, placing it on the coast and adjacent to the Nile.

31. Esna

Esna is a prestigious ancient Egyptian city located on the western bank of the Nile, just 55 km south of Luxor, which is known to hold the most epic history and monuments. It has now part of the Luxor Governorate since 2009. The city was called Latopolis, which is dedicated to the Nile perch (Lates niloticus), distinct from the more northern Letopolis in the Nile Delta.

The ancient city is renowned for being the home to the miraculous Temple of Khnum at Esna, which was constructed from red sandstone. The city was devoted to the deities Khnum, Menhit, Nebtu, Heka, and Neith. The temple’s portico showcases six rows of four columns adorned with lotus-leaf capitals, plus late hieroglyphic inscriptions from the era of Decius (249–251 AD) grace its walls. The Adjacent temples, including one venerating the Latopolis triad, once adorned the surroundings.

The remnants of Latopolis primarily hail from the Ptolemaic and Roman eras, with Ptolemy III Euergetes playing a pivotal role as a benefactor. The west wall of the temple features reliefs depicting Ptolemy VI Philometor and Ptolemy VIII Physcon. While the ruins exhibit an impressive scale, the sculptures and hieroglyphics reveal a discernible decline in Egyptian art. The city of Ensa or Latopolis is now a Roman Catholic Latin titular see.

Esna is also a magical modern marvel known for its rich heritage, characterized by a unique social structure, with its city center divided into distinct spatial domains inhabited by long-established Esna families. Within the city is the Wekalet Al-Geddawy, which is an 18th-century caravanserai from the Ottoman era that stands out as one of three such structures in southern Egypt, maintaining its original design.

Esna’s historic market is known to be one of the few in southern Egypt that holds significance in local life and offers various products, including home supplies, local crafts, and bridal necessities. The al-Qīsāriyya Market is also a traditional urban market with a history possibly dating back to Roman times that stretches for nearly 1.5 km, featuring shops, workshops, and caravanserais along its covered street.

32. Mendes

Mendes is a remarkable ancient Egyptian city that was known by the Greek designation for the ancient Egyptian city of Djedet, also known as Per-Banebdjedet and Anpet, which is today known as Tell El-Ruba that is located in the eastern Nile River delta. Mendes served as the capital of the 16th Lower Egyptian nome of Kha until the city of Thmuis took its place in Greco-Roman Egypt after It declined early and vanished in the first century AD.

During the 29th Dynasty, the city of Mendes briefly held the status of the capital of all of Ancient Egypt. During the Greco-Roman period, it garnered attention from ancient historians and geographers, such as Herodotus, Strabo, Diodorus, and Ptolemy. Archaeological evidence traces Mendes back to the Naqada II period during the 4th millennium BCE. It thrived under the rule of the first Pharaohs, emerging as a strong provincial government seat. Mendes was renowned for its chief deities, Banebdjedet (the ram deity) and Hatmehit (the fish goddess), forming the triad of Mendes.

The ram deity is depicted with the head and fleece of a goat, which plays a significant role in local mythology. The city’s ruins are encompassed of Tell El-Ruba and Tell El-Timai that stretch about 3 km from north to south, and average around 900m east-to-west. Mendes holds the largest surviving tell in the Nile delta that features an estimated 9,000 interments in an Old Kingdom necropolis.

Excavations have unearthed significant structures, including a New Kingdom processional-style temple with foundation deposits dating back to at least the Middle Kingdom. The site’s exploration has uncovered a cemetery of sacred rams, monuments bearing the names of prominent rulers, and the tomb of Nepherites I.  Mendes is a true archaeological wonder that provides an extensive stratification record for the Nile Delta and possibly all of Egypt.

33. Atfih

Atfih is an exceptional city located in Middle Egypt that experienced administrative changes which is found in the Giza Governorate. With roots dating back to the Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BC), its Ancient Egyptian name, Tp-jhw, meaning “the first of the cows,” pays homage to the goddess of love and joy Hathor. The Coptic version, Petpeh, eventually transformed into the Arabic Atfih.

During Greco-Roman times, the town gained recognition as Aphroditopolis “Busiris”. Atfih in the historical Maten region was known as Per-nebet tep-ihu in antiquity and Busiris (Aphroditopolis) during Roman times. The town contains notable Ancient Egyptian structures, which are Greco-Roman tombs, an animal necropolis, and expansive limestone tombs containing cow sepulchers.

The Tomb of ‘Ip dates back to 2000 BC, which is located approximately 17 km north of Atfih. It holds the “Hesateum” reminiscent of the “Serapeaum” at Saqqara. This served as a necropolis dedicated to sacred cows associated with the goddess Hesat. 16 animal tombs dating to the Ptolemaic age have endured within this sacred space.

34. Kom Ombo

Kom Ombo is a very renowned town that is known for having the phenomenal double Temple of Kom Ombo, which dates to the Ptolemaic Period (332–30 BCE), and is one of the main stops where Nile cruises pass on a regular basis. The city was originally known as Nub, which means “City of Gold”. It transformed a Greek settlement during the Greco-Roman Period, which is found on the Nile just 50 kilometers north of Aswan.

It was part of the Thebaid, serving as the capital of Nomos Ombites and functioning as a garrison town under various Egyptian dynasties, the Ptolemaic Kingdom, and Roman Egypt. The larger city temple is on a sandy hill dedicated to Haroeris and other deities. A smaller temple to the northwest paid homage to the goddess Isis. These temples exhibit Ptolemaic influences distinguished by their architecture and well-preserved colors.

The crocodile-headed god Sobek was revered, and adjacent catacombs sometimes housed crocodile mummies. The city also houses an engraved image, possibly the earliest representation of medical instruments for surgery from Roman Egypt. Kom Ombo housed a Nilometer used to measure river levels. During Late Antiquity, the marvelous city functioned as a bishopric.

35. Pachnamunis

The ancient marvelous city of Pachnamunis, which gained the name Bachm-An-Amun was the former name of a vanished city that served as the capital of the nome of Sebennytos in the Egyptian Delta, where Lake Timsah is now situated. In the past, it extended from Abshân to the west, and its tombs were located west of the Nile in places such as Tel El Qala’a, Kom El Qala’a, and Kom El Demrawi. The text mentions the ancient Lake Bouts, which is now identified with Lake Burullus.

During the Hyksos period, the city was occupied, plus the Hyksos changed its name to Pachmur, an Amorite name, and left the cemeteries within the city itself. The Hyksos had distinct physical features from the Egyptians, with tall stature and wide eyes. They were involved in the paper industry using papyrus from the lake. The Hyksos revolted against the current rulers, with the last rebellion being that of the Beshmorians. They were eventually killed, wiped out, and those who survived were captured and taken to Iraq.

Some managed to escape and settled near Dikirnis, establishing a village called Beshmor. The name reflects the origin, similar to how Pakistan refers to its people as Pakistanis or Russia refers to its people as Russians. The city was destroyed and became desolate once again, changing its name to Bakhnas and Namun. Later, it became the localities of Bakhnas and Namun.

The Ottomans later occupied it, killing its inhabitants, leading to its abandonment for around 300 years. People from Deir Shubra Qalasah (present-day Sidi Ghazi) settled there, renaming it Kfar El Sharqi and calling Sidi Ghazi the Kfar El Gharbi. The text discovered mentions some incorrect information that needs correction, such as the location of Tel Al-Andahur and Tel Al-Balmun, which are erroneously associated with Baltim and Belqas. The ancient tombs were present where schools are now located, containing large and remarkable structures.

36. Al Toud City

El Tod City is a wonderful ancient settlement which was located about 20 kilometers south of Luxor along the eastern bank of the Nile that was an ancient Egyptian town with a temple dedicated to the god Falcon of war Montu. It was originally known as Djerty in the Old Kingdom period, and it later became Tuphium during the Graeco-Roman Period. Jean-Francois Champollion, under the command of Napoleon, explored the ruins, thus discovering a high crypt beneath the village.

The history of El Tod dates back to the Old Kingdom (2613-2181 BCE), with evidence of constructions from the Fifth dynasty. Pharaoh Userkaf ordered the enlargement of the temple to Montu. The Eleventh dynasty left its mark, and Senwosret I replaced earlier structures with a new temple. Ptolemy VIII later made additions to the temple. Apart from Montu, the local goddess Iunit and the god Hemen of Tuphium were culturally significant. The worship of Sebak (Sobek), the Egyptian crocodile god of the nile, was also observed in the region.

Archaeologists found the Tod Treasure in 1936 under the temple ruins. The metallic and lapis lazuli artifacts, resembling items from Knossos, were made of silver and copper. Some objects were inscribed with Pharaoh Amenemhat II, and silverware indicated trade contacts between Ancient Egyptians and other civilizations. The treasure weighed 6.98 kg in gold and 8.87 kg in silver and was divided between the Louvre Museum and the Egyptian Museum after its discovery.

37. Shatb

Hypselis is also recognized as Shashotep, which was a marvelous ancient city and an epic Roman bishopric located near present-day Shatb in the Asyut Governorate. Its roots extend back to the First Intermediate Period (2181 – 2055 BC), and during the Middle Kingdom (2040 – 1782 BC), it functioned as the primary town in the eleventh Upper Egyptian nome, with Khnum as its main deity, often titled the “Lord of Shashotep”.

The Greeks called it by the name Hypselis. In the Roman era, Hypselis held the status of a suffragan see within the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Antinoë, which served as the capital of Thebais Prima province.

38. Saft Al Hinnah

Saft el-Hinna is a majestic marvel which is located in Egypt’s Al Sharqia Governorate within the Nile Delta, which is known for both a village and an archaeological site that is situated about 7 km southeast of the city of Zagazig. It was recorded as a nahiyah in the Bilbeis district of Sharqia Governorate. The modern village is built upon the ancient Egyptian town of Per-Sopdu or Pi-Sopt, which means “House of Sopdu”.

This historical site served as the capital of the 20th nome of Lower Egypt and played a significant role as a cult center during ancient Egypt’s Late Period, that is dedicated to Sopdu, who acted as the god of the eastern borders.

In the late Third Intermediate Period, Per-Sopdu was known as Pishaptu or Pisapti by the Neo-Assyrian invaders in Akkadian, who was a prominent seat of one of the 4 great chiefdoms of the Meshwesh, alongside Sebennytos, Mendes, and Busiris. Throughout medieval times, the city was known as Tiarabya, which held significance as a massive city in the eastern part of the Nile Delta that shared its name.

39. Al Balamun

Tell el-Balamun, which was known as Smabehdet, is a unique ancient Egyptian city that traces its origins to 2400 BC. It was positioned as a port city on a Nile estuary, which has since shifted inland from the Mediterranean Sea. It was named Diospolis Inferior and boasted a complex of temples. Around 1200 BC, it adopted the name Paiuenamun, meaning “The Island of Amun,” eventually evolving into the ancient form Balamun.

It originally served as a port city on a Nile estuary in the agricultural expanse of the Nile Delta, which stands 15 kilometers away from the Mediterranean Sea due to the expansion of the Nile Delta. The archaeological site spans over a kilometer in diameter, revealing mounds up to 18 meters high. Howard Carter himself initiated excavations in 1913, and subsequent efforts were sponsored by institutions like the British Museum, the Egypt Exploration Society, the Polish Academy of Sciences, and the Polish Center for Mediterranean.

Tell el-Balamun showcases a temple complex, including a Ramesside temple enclosure featuring structures from the 26th and 30th dynasties dedicated to Nekhtnebef, Psamtik I, and Shoshenq III. The site also housed a cemetery for elite citizens and the tomb of Iken, a Vizier from Lower Egypt, dating back to 900 B.C. Temples underwent dismantling or repurposing in ancient times, contributing to the city’s evolution. Tell el-Balamun during the 6th century A.D, transformed into an ancient Roman city that was complete with a limestone slab paved road.

40. Pelusium

Pelusium is a great ancient city that defines the meaning of grandeur and allure, which is located in the eastern extremes of Egypt’s Nile Delta, and has played a crucial role in the shaping of ancient Egyptian times. The city acted as a Roman provincial capital and Metropolitan archbishopric, which served as a border fortress that protected Egypt from invaders approaching from Syria and the sea. The city across its history was famous for its production of high-quality flax and early brewing of beer.

The city has faced challenges throughout its history, such as sieges and battles, due to its strategic location. The name “Pelusium” had various forms across languages, including Sena, Per-Amun, Pelousion, Saien, Sin, Seyân, and Tell el-Farama. Its history involved significant events, such as Sennacherib’s retreat in 720-715 BC attributed to a legend involving mice, and the decisive battle in 525 BC that led to the transfer of the Pharaoh’s throne to Cambyses II.

Pelusium witnessed attacks, sieges, and victories over the centuries, with notable moments like Alexander the Great opening its gates in 333 BC and the city falling to the Persians around 340 BC. Pompey the Great was murdered near Pelusium in 48 BC. Alexander the Great, in 333 BC, opened the doors of the city. The Plague of Justinian was reported in Pelusium in 541 AD, and in 639 AD, it surrendered to Amr ibn al-As, marking the effective subjugation of Egypt.

The city faced raids in 749 AD and saw a decline after Baldwin I of Jerusalem razed it in 1118 AD. The Romans were responsible for the creation of several military roads that connected Pelusium to several highly important cities such as Memphis, Heliopolis, Arsinoe, and more. Pelusium is named  “Sin, the strength of Egypt” which is written in the Biblical Book of Ezekiel.

Pelusium eventually faded into obscurity following the Crusades in the 12th and 13th centuries, with its harbors neglected by subsequent rulers. Since the turn of the 20th century, the city has been the subject of several archaeological expeditions, and many discoveries have taken place even today. Pelusium is still the seat of a metropolitan bishopric of the modern-day Eastern Orthodox Church, plus viewed as a Metropolitan titular archbishopric as listed by the Catholic Church.

41. Akhmim

Akhmim is a glorious ancient Egyptian city that has always been related to the mythology of this rich civilization, mostly during the New Kingdom and Greco-Roman period. It is located in Upper Egypt’s Sohag Governorate, which was known as Ipu or Apu in Ancient Egypt, which acted as the capital of the ninth nome of Upper Egypt. It was known as the hometown of Yuya, an official of Tuthmosis IV and Amenhotep III.

The city was a center of worship for the god Min, who is often identified with the Greek god Pan of the wild band, revered as “the strong Horus.” Herodotus mentioned a temple dedicated to Perseus in Akhmim, where celebrations resembling Greek customs were held, including games with prizes. The city was likely a hub for trading tribes attending Min’s festivals, possibly even more so than Coptos.

Akhmim’s rich history includes mention of linen-weaving and stone-cutting industries in Strabo’s accounts, with its cemetery being a significant source of textiles from the Roman and Christian eras in Egypt. Akhmim in the Christian Coptic era was written as Shmin/Kmin/Kmim in Sahidic Coptic. The region was rich in monasteries, with notable figures such as Shenouda the Archimandrite and Nestorius residing there.

The bishopric of Panopolis, part of the Catholic Church’s titular sees, had notable bishops like Arius and Sabinus. Excavations in Akhmim have revealed Christian manuscripts and inscriptions, including fragments of biblical texts. Akhmim’s ancient temples have been largely dismantled, with little remaining of their former glory.

Ongoing archaeological exploration promises further discoveries, including the uncovering of extensive ancient cemeteries and significant artifacts such as a corner of a Greco-Roman temple with statues of Ramesses II and Meritamen, discovered in 1981. The city was the home to several very famous figures in the history of Egypt, such as Tiye (1398 BC – 1338 BC), who was the Great Royal Wife of the Egyptian pharaoh Amenhotep III, Pharaoh Ay from 1323 to 1319, and several royal figures, scholars, and scribes.

42. Naucratis

Naucratis is a glorious ancient city and an influential trading post in Egypt that stood on the Canopic branch of the Nile, southeast of Alexandria and the Mediterranean Sea. It was the earliest and predominant Greek settlement in Egypt, fostering a rich exchange of Greek and Egyptian art and culture. The site is covered by a number of modern villages like Kom Gi’eif, el-Nibeira, and el-Niqrash, which hold immense archaeological significance.

It has yielded numerous art objects now displayed in museums worldwide, which pottery inscribed with early Greek writing. Heracleion served as Naucratis’ sister port, which is known to offer invaluable insights into ancient art, pottery, and early Greek writing. Naucratis over time thrived as a commercial hub that facilitated trade between Greek and Mediterranean states, with Greek traders settling and forming a sizable community.

The Greek presence in Egypt dates back to the Mycenaean times, which was driven by commerce. After the collapse of Mycenaean civilization, a resurgence of Greek culture in the 7th century BC led to renewed contact with Egypt and Mesopotamia. The city’s history intertwines with Egyptian rulers such as Pharaoh Psammetichus I and Pharaoh Apries, who interacted with Greek mercenaries and settlers.

Pharaoh Amasis II notably granted Naucratis to the Greeks, establishing it as a significant treaty port and commercial center. Naucratis played a crucial role in connecting Greek and Egyptian cultures, which influenced Greek art and architecture, although the mutual influence on Egyptian culture was limited. It served as a source of inspiration for Greek intellectuals and artists for many ages which reintroducing them to Egyptian artistic wonders lost since the Bronze Age.

Naucratis contributed to the transmission of knowledge, with early examples of Greek writing found on pottery fragments, shedding light on the evolution of alphabetic scripts. Naucratis eventually declined with the rise of Alexandria around the 3rd century BC and changes in the Nile’s course, while the nearby port city of Heracleion also emerged as a significant center of trade in ancient Egypt.

43. Pithom

Pithom is a majestic ancient Egyptian city mentioned in many holy books and Greek and Roman records. Some scholars associate the city with Tell el-Maskhuta, while others propose Tell El Retabeh. The term “Pithom” originates from the Egyptian name, which translates to “House of Atum”. Pithom was created during the same time as Pi-Ramesses and potentially On (Heliopolis). The historical and archaeological findings of the city offer insights into the multifaceted nature and whereabouts of Pithom, underscoring its significance in the ancient Egyptian landscape and historical chronicles.

It was known under the name Heroöpolisa, which played the role of a significant city during Graeco-Roman times which standing to the east of the Nile Delta near the mouth of the Royal Canal, connecting the Nile to the Red Sea. It served as the capital of the 8th nome of Lower Egypt. Tell El Retabeh, or ancient Pithom, was inhabited during the Hyksos period and later by Egyptians. Excavations at both Tell El Retabeh and Tell El Maskhuta have revealed evidence supporting their identification under the name Pithom.

The designation “pr-itm” (Temple of Atum) is present at both sites, hinting at a relocation of the name ‘Pithom,’ mirroring practices observed in other ancient cities. The intricate history of Tell El Maskhuta was revealed through many excavations, which indicate its habitation during the Middle Bronze Age and subsequent reconstruction potentially linked to Pharaoh Necho II’s canal-building initiatives.

44. Canopus

Canopus, also known as Canobus, was a highly important ancient Egyptian coastal town situated in the Nile Delta on the eastern outskirts of present-day Alexandria. It was positioned at the mouth of the Canopic or Heracleotic branch of the Nile Delta, which served as a significant port for Greek trade before the establishment of Alexandria. Canopus belonged to the seventh Egyptian Nome, initially known as Menelaites and later as Canopites. The city faced challenges such as rising sea levels, earthquakes, and tsunamis, leading to its decline.

By the end of the 2nd century BC, parts of Canopus succumbed to liquefaction, with the eastern suburbs collapsing and being submerged in the sea, while the western suburbs were buried beneath the modern coastal city of Abu Qir. The name “Canopus” originated from the settlement’s Greek designation, which was inspired by a legendary commander from the Trojan War era who is believed to be buried there. The English name is derived from the Latinized form used during Roman rule.

The history of Canopus dates back to the 6th century BC when it was the site of a temple to the Egyptian god Serapis. With references in a poem by Solon. Although the exact foundation date is unknown, Herodotus described it as an ancient port. According to Homeric myth, Menelaus, the founder, erected a monument in memory of Canopus, the ship’s pilot who died there.

Temples to Osiris and Heracles were also present in Canopus. During the Hellenistic period around 239 BC, a significant assembly of priests passed the “Decree of Canopus,” conferring titles on King Ptolemy III Euergetes and his consort Berenice. This decree was inscribed in Egyptian and classical Greek on a great stela like the one which was discovered in the city of Rosetta, which played a crucial role in deciphering the ancient Egyptian language.

Canopus in Roman times gained notoriety for its dissolute lifestyle. The emperor Hadrian replicated architectural patterns from Canopus in his villa at Tivoli. A combination of tsunamis, earthquakes, and rising sea levels led to the destruction of the city around the end of the 2nd century BC. The ruins of Canopus lie near the modern Egyptian town of Abu Qir. Abu Qir, with a trade in quails, is located on a peninsula northeast of Alexandria. The area has historical significance, including the naval battle in 1798 and conflicts involving Napoleon Bonaparte in 1799 and 1801.

45. Letopolis

Letopolis is a phenomenal ancient Egyptian city that acted as the capital of the second nome of Lower Egypt, which was originally known as Khem in the Egyptian language. The contemporary site where its remains are found is now identified as Ausim. This city played a crucial role in religious practices, serving as a central hub for the worship of the deity Khenty-khem or Khenty-irty, which acted as a manifestation of the sky god Horus.

Both the site and its revered deity date back to amazing texts from as early as the Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BC), indicating the probable existence of a temple dedicated to this god in the very ancient stages of Egyptian history. Although Letopolis has ancient roots, the surviving monuments at the Letopolis site predominantly date to the pharaohs during the Late Period (664–332 BC). The most notable figures associated with these structures include Psamtik II, Hakor, Necho II, and Nectanebo I.

Despite the city’s enduring presence, the remaining remnants primarily reflect the architectural and cultural characteristics of this later period in Egyptian history. Letopolis can be seen today in the realm of entertainment, as there is a vivid image of the city portrayed in the 2017 video game “Assassin’s Creed Origins” during the Egyptian Ptolemaic age.

46. Arab Al Atawlah

The epic city of Hieracon is an ancient fortified city dating to Roman times, which is found on the east bank of the Nile River in Upper Egypt, near Asyut. It is located midway between the Alabstrine Mountains and is distinct from Nekhen, situated south of Thebes at a latitude near Eileithyias polis, the modern El Kab, serving as the capital of Upper Egypt’s third nome.

47. Bana Abu Sir

Abusir Bana is a marvelous city found in Egypt’s Gharbia governorate that stands as a captivating village. During ancient times, it bore the name Busiris and flourished as a pivotal settlement within the Ati nome of Egypt. It is located east of Sais and close to the Phatnitic mouth on the western bank of the Damietta Branch of the Nile; its original pharaonic designation was Djedu.

The addition of “Bana,” originating from a neighboring town, distinguishes its modern name, “Abusir Bana” from similar settlements across Egypt. It gained to became one of the birthplaces of Osiris, “the revered god of the underworld” or the lord of Djedu, where the festival of Isis, among its notable Egyptian calendar events, which came next to Bastet at Bubastis.

Remnants of the town and the revered temple of Isis still remain. The city assumed the name Busir Samannud in the post arab conquest, evolving into a bishopric. Local Copts believe it was named after Pharaoh’s sorcerer Busi.

48. Al Qusiyyah

Cusae is a majestic city found in Upper Egypt, which is also known as El Quseyya and is known to reside gracefully on the western bank of the Nile within the Asyut Governorate. It rose as the illustrious capital of the 14th Nome of Upper Egypt, plus in the Middle Kingdom, it thrived as a vibrant hub for the veneration of the goddess of joy and lover Hathor and hosted the esteemed Meir necropolis, where local elites were buried in epic tombs.

During the New Kingdom era, the city stood as a sentinel at the border between the northern Hyksos dominion and the southern Theban realm. Through the Roman period, it transformed into the settlement of Legio II Flavia Constantia. Cusae ascended to a bishopric, serving as a suffragan to the metropolitan see of Antinoë within the Roman province of Thebaid I.

Eminent bishops, among them, Achilles and Elias, etched their names in church annals. Despite its cessation as a residential bishopric, Cusae endures in ecclesiastical memory, acknowledged by the Catholic Church as a titular see.

49. Hu

Huw, also known as Hu or Hiw, is a glorious city that intertwines divine reverence, cultural evolution, and historical greatness. It is found in an Egyptian town located along the Nile, once revered as the capital of the 7th Nome of Upper Egypt. It was found today within the Qena Governorate and the Nag Hammadi Markaz. It was known by the ancient name Sesheshet (Sistrum) echoes through time.

The heart of Huw beats with the worship of the goddess of love and joy Bat, who was seen to be very similar to or even an aspect of Hathor. The sistrum was a sacred musical instrument intertwined with her essence, reflecting her significance, immortalized in the art and hieroglyphs of Ancient Egypt all across the city. Huw witnessed a transition in deities, with Hathor assuming prominence during the New Kingdom era, blending the characteristics of Bat into her divine essence.

Huw welcomed notable visitors like Ibn Battuta in 1326, who encountered the foresight of a sharif named Abu Muhammad Abdallah al-Hasani. Despite Ibn Battuta’s intentions to embark on a pilgrimage to Mecca via Aydhab, the sharif prophesied an alternative route through Syria, leading him back to Cairo amidst the upheaval of local tribes in Aydhab.

50. Al Hibah

El Hiba or Tayu-djayet, which means “their walls,” is a great historic city that resided within the 18th Upper Egyptian nome and presently resides within the Bani Suwayf governorate. During the late 20th Dynasty to the 22nd Dynasty, Tayu-djayet served as a pivotal frontier town, demarcating the divide between the High Priests of Amun in Thebes and the reigning monarchs of Egypt in Tanis.

Notable features include a massive enclosure wall, bearing the imprints of High Priests Pinedjem I and Menkheperre, emblematic of their authority. High Priest Herihor also wielded influence from al-Hibah in earlier times. In the era of the 22nd Dynasty, King Shoshenq I erected a temple dedicated to “Amun-Great-of-Roarings” at the site, adorned with a detailed list of cities conquered during his “First Campaign of Victory” in Palestine.

The temple’s embellishments also bear the mark of his son, Osorkon I, reflecting a rich tapestry of royal patronage and religious fervor in the annals of El Hiba’s history. Since 2001, the city has been under a series of excavations that have uncovered a number of important artifacts within tombs, pits, and walls.

51. Hebenu

Hebenu is an honorable ancient Egyptian city located in Middle Egypt within the Hare nome, which played a significant role as the early capital of the Oryx nome. It’s now known as the village of Zawiyat al-Amwat in the Minya Governorate, now stands where the ancient city once thrived. It is also by the Greek name Alabastron, which is situated on the east bank of the Nile north of Antinoöpolis and Hermopolis, finds its present-day location in el-Kom el-Ahmar, approximately 10 kilometers south of Minya.

While Ptolemy positioned the city in Middle Egypt, Pliny the Elder situated it in Upper Egypt proper in the Thebaid. Hebenu was also known as Hipponon in Greek, which was a temple dedicated to Horus and Pakhet during its heyday. Its association with the Hare nome and proximity to alabaster quarries lent it the later Greek name Alabastron, which persisted into late antiquity. Throughout Hellenistic and Roman Egypt, Hebenu-Alabastron remained a vital hub until the fifth century, with its legacy enduring through the current day.

52. Al Madamum

Medamud is an epic marvel that is found in the Luxor Governorate of Egypt, which is 8 kilometers north-east of Luxor. The crown jewel of Medamud was the Temple of Montu, which was dedicated to the war-god Montu and encompassed several structures. The city dates back to the Old Kingdom or the First Intermediate Period, and the temple stood enclosed within a protective wall. The temple featured two pylons leading to a double cave sanctuary.

These underground chambers, marked by surface mounds, possibly symbolized ‘primeval mounds’ in ancient Egyptian cosmology. In the 12th Dynasty of the Middle Kingdom, the temple underwent comprehensive reconstruction on a larger scale. Over time, expansions and renovations persisted, spanning into the era of the Roman Empire, ensuring the enduring legacy of Medamud’s sacred site.

53. Arsinoe

Arsinoe, also known as Arsinoites or Cleopatris, was a phenomenal ancient city situated at the northern tip of the Heroopolite Gulf within the Red Sea, which acted as the capital of the Heroopolite nome. It served as a crucial harbor for Egypt and has been speculated to align with the biblical locale of Pi-hahiroth. It is believed that the modern village of Ardscherúd near Suez may correspond to its ancient counterpart. It was located near the eastern end of the Royal Canal, connecting to the Pelusiac branch of the Nile. Arsinoe played a pivotal role in facilitating trade.

Arsinoe encountered trade obstacles due to challenging access from the south, primarily caused by prevailing northern winds. The city’s historical eminence is depicted in the video game “Assassin’s Creed Origins,” notably in the DLC “The Hidden Ones,” where it is portrayed as a settlement under Roman occupation in 38 BC, witnessing the dismantling of ancient Egyptian monuments for construction materials.

54. Heracleopolis Magna

Heracleopolis Magna is also known as Heracleopolis and Herakleoupolis was a powerful capital of the 20th nome of ancient Upper Egypt, which is 15 km (9.3 mi) west of the modern city of Beni Suef. Its original Ancient Egyptian name evolved into Coptic, then later borrowed into early Egyptian Arabic as Ahnās. The site is referred to as Ihnasiyyah Umm al-Kimam and Ihnasiyyah al-Madinah. The Greek name “City of Heracles” gained prominence during the Ptolemaic period, while the Roman Empire used a Latinized form of this name.

The city’s history dates back to at least the mid-First Dynasty, which is around 2970 BC, as suggested by records of King Den’s visit. In the First Intermediate Period (2181–2055 BC), Heracleopolis emerged as a significant power, thus becoming Lower Egypt’s principal city. This time period saw many conflicts with Upper Egypt’s capital. Heracleopolis in the Middle Kingdom (2055–1650 BC) became a religious center which was devoted to the cult of the creator and fertility god of Heryshaf.

It was eventually defeated by Mentuhotep II, thus marking the transition to the Middle Kingdom. The capital during the Third Intermediate Period (1069–664 BC) regained importance with new constructions and extensive renovations. The Ptolemaic Kingdom (332–30 BC) further emphasized its religious significance by associating Herakles with Heracles.

Heracleopolis in the Roman ages remained occupied, with evidence of habitation found near the Necropolis of Sedmet el-Gebel. This prolonged occupation underscores its enduring cultural and historical significance throughout different periods of ancient Egypt’s history.

Proof of Existence for the Ancient Egyptian Cities

Ancient Egyptian cities were classified as either “nwt” or “dmj.” Plus, the word “Nwt” was referred to unplanned cities that grew organically, such as Memphis and Thebes, while “dmj” translated to “settlement” and referred to towns laid out according to a plan. Since the final days of the 19th century and the turn of the 20th century, there have been many excavations, mostly in Upper Egypt, which led to a wave of excavation all over Egypt, thus discovering many artifacts and ruins that provided many important facts about the existence of all the cities of ancient Egypt. The best-preserved archaeological evidence of planned cities is found at El Lahun, Deir el-Medina, and Amarna, although some evidence of urban planning exists at other sites all over the country.

Interesting Facts About Ancient Egyptian Cities

• Ancient Egyptian cities were primarily located along the banks of the Nile River, which played a crucial role in the civilization’s survival, where the Nile provided water for agriculture, transportation, trade, and sustenance.
• Many ancient Egyptian cities were established around 3000 BC, thus making them some of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
• Memphis, Thebes, and Alexandria were the true powerhouses and the main capitals for thousands of years for many cultures.
• Many of the ancient Egyptian cities were named after the ancient Egyptian Goddesses and Gods.
• Canopic Way Cities were great cities like Tanis and Mendes, which were vital for commerce and cultural exchange with other civilizations.
• They were found on a trade route connecting the Nile to the Mediterranean that played a crucial role in Egypt’s economic activities.
• Ancient Egypt had cities with specific functions, such as the quarry town of Aswan, known for its granite extraction, and many more.
• Egyptian cities were typically well-planned, with straight streets and organized neighborhoods.
• The architecture often included monumental structures, temples, and palaces, showcasing the grandeur and sophistication of ancient Egyptian civilization.
• While the pharaohs and priests held the highest positions in ancient Egyptian society, cities were also home to diverse populations of artisans, farmers, merchants, and laborers who played crucial roles in the city’s economy and daily life.
• Ancient Egyptian cities were built around massive temples dedicated to worshipping the gods and pharaohs.
• These temples were incredible feats of engineering and artistry, often adorned with intricate sculptures, hieroglyphs, and colorful paintings.
• They served not only as religious centers but also as hubs for administration, trade, and social gatherings.
• Ancient Egyptians believed strongly in the afterlife, and their cities reflected this belief.
• The cities held elaborate tombs and mortuary temples that were constructed outside city walls, serving as the resting places for the deceased and ensuring their passage to the next life.
• Some Egyptian cities are remarkably well-preserved, buried beneath layers of sand and silt.
• This has allowed archaeologists to uncover entire neighborhoods, temples, and tombs in pristine condition, offering a glimpse into daily life thousands of years ago.