Samannud, city in Egypt
Samannud is a city in Gharbia Governorate located on the Damietta branch of the Nile River, known as Sebennytos in ancient times. The site contains remains of a large temple dedicated to the sky god Onuris-Shu, with scattered stone blocks bearing carvings and inscriptions that once decorated its walls.
Samannud was known as Djebnetjer and served as capital of the 12th Lower Egyptian Nome during Egypt's Late Period. The temple was founded by Nectanebo I, a ruler who fought against Persian invaders, and was later expanded by Nectanebo II, the last native Egyptian pharaoh.
The name Sebennytos reflects its role as an administrative center in ancient Lower Egypt where temples served as hubs for worship and knowledge. The remaining carved stones and temple fragments scattered throughout the site speak to how residents organized their spiritual and civic life around these sacred structures.
The site lies on the west side of the Damietta branch and can be reached easily from Tanta to the south or el-Mansura to the northeast. The warm and dry climate offers clear skies, making it comfortable to walk around the scattered ruins and examine the carved stone blocks on display.
Manetho, a renowned Egyptian historian from the third century BC, came from this city and recorded a chronology of the pharaohs that remains one of the most valuable sources for understanding Egyptian history. His writings preserved the story of a native Egyptian king fighting to defend his realm against foreign invaders.
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