Oxyrhynchus

Oxyrhynchus, known today as Al-Bahnasa, is an archaeological site in Middle Egypt with a rich history spanning multiple eras. Originally founded as Per-Medjed in ancient Egyptian times, the city became a prosperous regional capital during the Hellenistic period under the name Oxyrrhynchoupolis. Its significance continued through the Roman and Byzantine periods, marked by religious and cultural developments, including the presence of early Christian churches and Jewish synagogues. The site is renowned for its vast collection of papyri, unearthed since the late 19th century, which provide invaluable insights into ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman life. The Muslim conquest in the 7th century CE led to its decline, and it was eventually abandoned. Today, Oxyrhynchus is a focus of archaeological exploration, uncovering layers of history and cultural transformations.