Magnificent Pre-Dynastic City Of Sais And Its Lost Neglected Ruins

A. Sutherland  - AncientPages.com - The history of Sais goes back to Egypt's pre-dynastic times (before 3100 BC). It was once a beautiful Egyptian city located in the western Egyptian delta along the right bank of the Rosetta Branch of the Nile River.

Today, the only visible ruins of the city near the village of Sa al-Hadjar are dated to the Late New Kingdom (c.1100 BC).

Relief of Psamtik I making an offering to Ra-Horakhty (Tomb of Pabasa). source

There are no surviving traces of this town from before this period, but it is scientifically attested that the history of Sais goes back to pre-dynastic times. From the 3rd millennium BC, Sais was a famous economic, political, and religious center of the goddess of war and hunting, Neith, whose temple was to be erected by the founder of the first Dynasty.

Known as a center of science and the arts, the city was first mentioned in archaic-period inscriptions. However, it played an important role in all historical periods and was most important in the late ages. It was then the state capital during the reign of the XXIV and XXVI dynasties.

This is a preview of our premium article available only to members of Ancient Pages.

Become a member to read more -  Click here

If you are already a member and have logged in to your account, you can access the article here

See also: 

Deir el-Bahri – Sacred Resting Place For The Pharaohs

Mysterious Pyramid Of Menkaure Remains An Ancient Puzzle

Pi-Ramesse: Pharaoh Ramesses II’s Great Capital Surprisingly Identified In Two Locations

More Premium Articles