Saft el-Hinna
Egypt

Saft el-Hinna

Ancient city with temples and necropolises

Location

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Historical Context

About

Saft el-Hinna, located in Egypt's Nile Delta, is an archaeological site of significant historical importance. Known in ancient times as Per-Sopdu, it was a major cult center dedicated to Sopdu, the god of Egypt's eastern borders. The site served as the capital of the 20th nome of Lower Egypt during the Late Period and was a key location in the Third Intermediate Period as one of the Meshwesh chiefdoms. Archaeological evidence includes the remains of temples from the reign of Nectanebo I, signifying its religious importance. Necropolises have also been discovered, highlighting its role as a burial center. Despite modern encroachment, the site has provided insights into the Ptolemaic and Roman periods, reflecting its continuous occupation and significance in antiquity.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Visual Archive

Gallery

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Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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Late Period capital

8th century BCE

Third Intermediate Period chiefdom

8th century BCE

Nectanebo I temple construction

4th century BCE

Ptolemaic and Roman occupation

3rd century BCE to 4th century CE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Burial and Funerary Structures

Necropolises
category

Religious and Ritual Structures

Temples
category

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Towns
Knowledge Base

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Reference

Details

Country

Egypt

Coordinates

30.56° N, 31.61° E