Sais, Archaeological site in Gharbia Governorate, Egypt
Sais is an archaeological site in Gharbia Governorate that spreads across several layers with structures from different eras of ancient Egypt. The remains lie near the modern village of Sa el-Hagar and show traces of temples, residential buildings, and public facilities.
The settlement became the capital of Egypt during the 26th Dynasty between the 7th and 6th centuries before Christ and experienced a time of economic prosperity. After the Persian conquest, the place lost importance and was gradually covered by later constructions.
The temple complex served as a center for medical learning, where practitioners trained in women's health and childbirth techniques. Both men and women studied side by side, which represented an unusual practice in the ancient world.
The site lies about 140 kilometers (87 miles) north of Cairo and can be reached with an intercity bus or taxi from Basion. Sturdy footwear is advisable because the terrain is uneven and large areas must be covered on foot.
Excavations from recent years uncovered a Neolithic settlement from the 5th millennium before Christ that documents the shift from fishing to farming. Tools and pottery shards show how early inhabitants began to use the riverbank systematically.
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