Settlements > Lower Egypt Settlements

Lower Egypt Settlements

Background

Lower Egypt, the northern region of ancient Egypt, was home to several significant settlements throughout its history. Here are some notable Lower Egyptian settlements:

1. Memphis (Ineb Hedj):

   • Memphis, known as Ineb Hedj in ancient Egyptian, was the capital of ancient Egypt during the Old Kingdom period.
   • Located near the modern city of Cairo, Memphis was strategically situated at the junction of Upper and Lower Egypt, making it a political, economic, and cultural hub.
   • Memphis was home to the Great Sphinx and the Pyramid of Djoser, among other monumental structures.

2. Alexandria (Rakotə):

   • Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE, Alexandria became one of the most important cities in the ancient world.
   • Located on the Mediterranean coast, Alexandria served as a major center of trade, scholarship, and culture, boasting the famous Library of Alexandria and the Pharos Lighthouse.
   • Alexandria was known for its cosmopolitan population and its blending of Greek, Egyptian, and other cultures.

3. Tanis (Djanet):

   • Tanis, known as Djanet in ancient Egyptian, was a city located in the eastern Nile Delta.
   • It served as a capital during the Third Intermediate Period and the later dynasties, becoming one of the most important cities in Lower Egypt.
   • Tanis was renowned for its archaeological remains, including the royal necropolis where the treasures of pharaohs such as Psusennes I and Shoshenq I were discovered.

4. Bubastis (Per-Bast):

   • Bubastis, known as Per-Bast in ancient Egyptian, was a city located in the eastern Nile Delta.
   • It was dedicated to the worship of the cat goddess Bastet and served as a major religious center, hosting the annual festival of Bastet.
   • Bubastis was known for its impressive temple complex dedicated to Bastet, which contained numerous statues and monuments.

5. Busiris (Djedu):

   • Busiris, known as Djedu in ancient Egyptian, was a city located in the western Nile Delta.
   • It was associated with the worship of the god Osiris and served as a center for Osirian cults and funerary practices.
   • Busiris was home to a temple dedicated to Osiris, where rituals and ceremonies honoring the god were conducted.

6. Sais (Saïs):

   • Sais was an ancient Egyptian city located in the western Nile Delta.
   • It served as the capital of the 26th Dynasty and was known for its association with the goddess Neith.
   • Sais was home to a temple dedicated to Neith, as well as the tomb of the pharaoh Amasis II.

These are just a few examples of the many settlements that flourished in Lower Egypt throughout ancient Egyptian history. Each of these settlements played a significant role in the political, religious, and cultural life of ancient Egypt, contributing to the rich tapestry of Egyptian civilization.