Amarna, Archaeological site in Minya, Egypt.
Amarna is an archaeological site in Minya Governorate along the eastern bank of the Nile River. The foundations stretch for about 8 miles (13 kilometers) and include areas for administration, residential quarters, workshops, and ceremonial spaces.
Pharaoh Akhenaten founded the capital around 1346 BC as the center of his religious cult. After his death, inhabitants abandoned it within a few decades, and later rulers systematically erased all references to the place from official records.
The settlement takes its name from a local tribe that inhabited the area centuries after its collapse. Many building remains show reliefs depicting sun rays ending in hands, blessing the royal couple.
The site is wide open and lies on a desert edge with little shade. Visitors should come early in the morning and bring plenty of water, as temperatures rise quickly.
Clay tablets containing diplomatic letters from neighboring kingdoms were found here in an archive room. This correspondence includes details on marriage negotiations, trade discussions, and military reports from the 14th century BC.
Location: Minya Governorate
Inception: 1346 BCE
Founders: Akhenaten
Elevation above the sea: 195 m
GPS coordinates: 27.66167,30.90556
Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:01
Egypt holds numerous archaeological sites beyond the pyramids of Giza. From the bent pyramid of Dahshur to the rock temples of Speos Artemidos, these locations present Egyptian architecture through different periods. The collection includes desert fortresses, Roman quarries, prehistoric caves, and religious complexes across various regions from Alexandria to Aswan.
Great Temple of the Aten
1.4 km
Boundary Stelae of Akhenaten
0 m
Northern Palace
953 m
Small Aten Temple
2 km
Southern Tomb 25
5.8 km
Tomb of Panehsy
6 m
Tomb of Meryra
2.2 km
Amarna Tomb 1
2.1 km
Anonymous Tombs in Amarna
6 m
Tomb of Meryra II
6 m
Kom el-Nana
5 km
Amarna Tomb 5
6 m
Amarna Tomb 3
6 m
Amarna Tomb 7
0 m
Southern Tomb 11
6 m
Southern Tomb 23
6 m
TA8
6 m
Tomb of Mahu
6 m
TA19
6 m
Tomb of Nakhtpaaten
6 m
TA24
6 m
Tomb of Ipy
6 m
Tomba d'Amarna 18
6 m
Tomba d'Amarna 20
6 m
TA15
6 m
Tomba d'Amarna 22
6 m
Tomba d'Amarna 21
6 m
Tomba d'Amarna 17
6 mReviews
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