Tarkhan (Egypt)

Tarkhan, an ancient Egyptian necropolis located about 50 km south of Cairo, is a significant archaeological site with evidence spanning multiple historical periods. The site was extensively excavated by Flinders Petrie, revealing over 2,000 tombs, including simple graves for commoners and grand mastabas from the First Dynasty. Notably, the site contains a tomb with seal impressions linked to King Narmer and the Tarkhan dress, one of Egypt's oldest garments. The necropolis also includes later-period Roman tombs, featuring Fayum mummy portraits. Tarkhan offers rich insights into early Egyptian state formation, showcasing its burial customs and the evolution of funerary architecture from the Early Dynastic period through the Roman era.