Saïs: The Lost City of Lower Egypt159

Saïs (pronounced "sa-ees") was an ancient Egyptian city located in the Nile Delta, approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) north of Cairo. It was the capital of Egypt during the 26th Saite Dynasty (c. 664-525 BC) and remained an important cultural and religious center for centuries afterward.

The city was founded in the Second Intermediate Period (c. 1782-1570 BC) by King Ahmose I, who expelled the Hyksos invaders from Egypt. It was initially a small town, but it grew rapidly in importance during the 19th and 20th Dynasties (c. 1295-1070 BC), when it became a major center of trade and administration.

Saïs reached its peak during the Saite Dynasty, when it became the capital of Egypt. The city was rebuilt and expanded under King Psamtik I (c. 664-610 BC), who constructed a new palace, temple, and walls. Saïs was also a major center of learning and culture, and its scholars were renowned for their knowledge of history, mathematics, and astronomy.

After the conquest of Egypt by the Persians in 525 BC, Saïs declined in importance. It was sacked by the Persians in 404 BC and later by the Romans in 30 BC. The city was abandoned in the 7th century AD, and its ruins were gradually covered by sand.

The ruins of Saïs were rediscovered in the 19th century by European explorers, who excavated the site and uncovered a wealth of artifacts and inscriptions. Today, Saïs is a popular tourist destination, and its ruins provide a glimpse into the rich history and culture of ancient Egypt.

The Temple of Saïs

The Temple of Saïs was the most important religious building in the city. It was dedicated to the goddess Neith, who was the patron goddess of Saïs. The temple was first built in the 19th Dynasty, but it was expanded and rebuilt several times over the centuries. The final form of the temple was a vast complex of buildings, courtyards, and gateways.

The Temple of Saïs was a major center of pilgrimage for Egyptians from all over the country. It was also a center of learning and culture, and its priests were renowned for their knowledge of theology, philosophy, and science.

The Cult of Neith

Neith was one of the most important goddesses in the Egyptian pantheon. She was associated with war, hunting, and weaving. She was also the patron goddess of Saïs, and her cult was centered on the Temple of Saïs.

The cult of Neith was very popular in Egypt, and it spread throughout the Mediterranean region. Neith was worshipped in Greece as Athena, in Rome as Minerva, and in Carthage as Tanit.

The Lost City of Saïs

Saïs was abandoned in the 7th century AD, and its ruins were gradually covered by sand. The city was forgotten for centuries, and its location was only rediscovered in the 19th century. Today, Saïs is a popular tourist destination, and its ruins provide a glimpse into the rich history and culture of ancient Egypt.

2024-12-05

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