Sais, Egypt

Sais was an ancient Egyptian city in the western Nile Delta that served as a political and religious centre in the Late Period, particularly during the 26th Dynasty. The city was an important cult centre for the goddess Neith.

Today the archaeological remains are concentrated at the site known as Sa el-Hagar and include temple foundations, pottery and building fragments rather than large standing monuments. The site has been the subject of archaeological investigation and finds from Sais are held in various museums.

During the Late Period (first millennium BC) the city rose to prominence as the seat of Egypt’s ruling dynasty at the time and as a regional administrative hub. Over subsequent centuries the urban centre declined and much of its fabric was quarried or buried by Nile alluvium.

The ruins lie in Egypt’s Nile Delta region; the ancient site is on the western Delta plain and is accessed from modern roads within the Gharbia Governorate.

• Saite capital: The ancient city served as the capital of Egypt during the Saite 26th Dynasty and was an important religious centre in the western Nile Delta.

What to See #

• Sa el-Hagar site: Archaeological remains of the main temple complex and settlement area, concentrated at the modern site known as Sa el-Hagar and the location of temple foundations and pottery finds.
• Temple of Neith: The cult centre dedicated to the goddess Neith, which was one of the city's principal temples during the Late Period of ancient Egypt when Sais was politically important.