Leontopolis (Heliopolis)

Leontopolis, or Ney-ta-hut, was an ancient Egyptian city located in the 13th nome of Lower Egypt. It is known for its unique Tell el-Yahudiyeh Ware pottery. The site features significant archaeological structures, including massive Middle Kingdom or Second Intermediate Period fortifications, which are thought to have served defensive purposes, potentially linked to the Hyksos. The city was later associated with a Jewish population and became notable for the temple established by Onias IV during the reign of Ptolemy VI Philometor. This temple, modeled after the Jerusalem temple, served as a center for Jewish worship for over three centuries before its destruction by Vespasian following the First Jewish–Roman War. The archaeological significance of Leontopolis lies in its multicultural influences, defensive architecture, and religious history.