Tell el-Balamun

Tell el-Balamun, formerly known as Smabehdet, is an ancient city in Egypt dating back to at least 2400 BCE. Initially a port city on a Nile estuary, it became an inland city due to the Nile delta's advancement. Renamed Paiuenamun during the New Kingdom, this site boasts a rich archaeological heritage with a complex of temples originating from the 26th and 30th dynasties. In addition to its religious significance, Tell el-Balamun includes a fortress, trenches, and a Roman limestone-paved road that highlights its strategic importance. The site also contains a cemetery for elite citizens and the tomb of Vizier Iken, showcasing its continuous occupation and development through various historical periods. The archaeological excavations, notably by Howard Carter and later the British Museum, have provided insight into its historical grandeur and transformation over millennia.