Historical Significance of San al-Hajar
The San al-Hajar region is renowned for its remarkable archaeological treasures, which include the following notable sites:
- Temples dedicated to various deities, including:
- Amun.
- Mut.
- Khadshu.
- Horus.
- The royal necropolis of the 21st dynasty.
- A sacred lake.
- Statues of King Ramses II.
- The tomb of Osorkon II.
- The burial site of King Sheshonq III.
- The tomb of King Psusennes I.
It is important to note that the history of the archaeological remains in San al-Hajar dates back from the Late Period to the Ptolemaic era.
Discovery of San al-Hajar’s Archaeological Site
The first attempts to excavate the archaeological treasures of San al-Hajar occurred in 1859, led by Marriott, who initiated the exploration of the area. In 1884, Flinders Petrie took over the subsequent excavations. However, the true pioneer of significant discoveries was the French archaeologist Pierre Montet, who dedicated 12 years to unearthing the site. He uncovered a complex of royal tombs featuring three undisturbed burial chambers containing an immense wealth of artifacts, such as gold masks, silver coffins, intricately carved stone sarcophagi, and numerous pieces of jewelry including bracelets, necklaces, amulets, and dining utensils. Additionally, the site yielded various artifacts including statues, vases, and jars, all of which were eventually transferred to the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square.
An Overview of San al-Hajar
San al-Hajar is a village located in the Sharqia Governorate of Egypt, situated approximately 19 kilometers from the city of Al-Hasaniya and 25 kilometers from the city of Al-Jamaliyah. This village has been known by several names, notably Tanis, and is referred to as “Soan” in the Torah. It is also mentioned in ancient Egyptian texts as “Janet.” The village was established during the late 20th dynasty and became the capital of northern Egypt during the 21st dynasty. San al-Hajar is historically significant as the birthplace of Smendes, the founder of the 21st dynasty. The city retained its status as the political capital of Egypt during the 22nd dynasty and held significant strategic and commercial importance. However, it was abandoned in the 6th century AD due to the threat of flooding from Lake Manzala.
General Information about San al-Hajar
There are several key facts about San al-Hajar that are worth noting, including:
- The total area of San al-Hajar is approximately 7.13 square kilometers.
- The population is estimated to be around 25,000 residents.
- San al-Hajar’s origins can be traced back to circa 4000 BC.
- The name “San al-Hajar” is derived from the abundance of stones found in the area.