Background

Tall Şān al Ḩajar: Unearthing the Ancient City of Tanis

Unearth the secrets of Tanis (Tall Şān al Ḩajar), an ancient Egyptian capital in the Nile Delta with royal tombs and temple ruins.

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Explore the sprawling, partly excavated ruins of Tanis (ancient Djanet, Hebrew Zoan), once a vital capital in the Nile Delta. Discover shattered remnants of temples, imposing statuary, and royal tombs that offer a glimpse into Egypt's 21st and 22nd Dynasties, a period often called the 'Luxor of the North'.

A brief summary to Tall Şān al Ḩajar

  • Tanis, San Al Hagar Al Qebleyah, Al-Sharqia Governorate, EG

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures, especially during the hot summer months.
  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on sand and uneven terrain.
  • Bring water and snacks, as facilities may be limited at the site.
  • Consider hiring a local guide to enhance your understanding of the site's historical significance.
  • Check local opening hours before your visit, as they may vary.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Cairo, take a microbus or East Delta bus from Ulali or Abboud to Faqus. From Faqus, take a local taxi or bus to the village of San Al Hagar. The site is a short distance from the village. Bus fare from Cairo to Faqus is approximately 15 EGP. Taxi or bus from Faqus to San Al Hagar costs 5-7 EGP. Alternatively, take a train from Cairo's Ramses Station to Zagazig, then connect with a local bus to San el-Hagar. The train journey takes about two hours. The bus ride takes approximately 30 minutes.

  • Taxi

    Hire a taxi or private car for a direct journey from Cairo to Tanis. The trip takes approximately two hours. Ensure you agree on the fare before starting your journey. The approximate taxi fare from Ismailia to Al-Sharqia Governorate is $3-4. Actual fares may vary.

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Discover more about Tall Şān al Ḩajar

Tall Şān al Ḩajar, known in ancient times as Tanis, invites exploration of a significant archaeological site in the northeastern Nile Delta. Once the capital of Egypt during the 21st and 22nd Dynasties (1069–715 BC), Tanis offers a captivating, less-crowded alternative to the well-trodden paths of Giza and Luxor. Despite being partly excavated, the site reveals shattered remnants of temples, imposing statuary, obelisks, and stelae scattered across the sands. These remnants whisper tales of a city that served as a crucial commercial and political center. The earliest structures date back to the reign of Psusennes I (1039–991 BC), who enclosed the Temple of Amun with a great wall. Later rulers added temples to Mut, Khons, and Astarte, continuing construction into Ptolemaic times. Tanis is also known for its royal necropolis. French Egyptologist Pierre Montet unearthed the intact royal tombs of Psusennes I, Amenemope, and Shoshenq II in 1939 and 1940. These tombs contained a wealth of gold, jewelry, and precious stones, including the kings' funerary masks, now displayed in the Egyptian Museum. The re-use of materials from earlier sites like Pi-Ramesses adds another layer to Tanis's rich history. While not as well-preserved as other famous sites, Tanis provides a unique, atmospheric experience for those with an interest in ancient Egyptian history and archaeology.

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