The City of Heracleopolis in Ancient Times
Heracleopolis Magna was a significant city in ancient Upper Egypt. It served as the capital of the 20th nome and was called nn nswt in Ancient Egyptian, meaning “Child of the King.” Located about 14 km (8.6 miles) west of modern Beni Suef in Egypt, it played vital roles in various periods of Egyptian history.
A map of Egypt showing exactly where Heracleopolis Magna is located.
The Name and Its Evolution
To the ancient Egyptians, the city was referred to as nn nswt, also written as hnn nswt or hwt nn nswt, which evolved into Coptic as Ϩⲛⲏⲥ (ǝhnes). This Coptic name was later adapted into Arabic as اهناس (Ahnās).
Under Greek influence during the Ptolemaic Kingdom, the city was called Heracleopolis, meaning “City of Heracles,” with “Magna” (great) distinguishing it from other cities with the same name.
Today, the site is known as Ihnasiyyah Umm al-Kimam (“Ihnasiyyah, Mother of the Shards”) or Ihnasiyyah al-Madinah (“The City of Ihnasiyyah”).
Did you know…?
Some scholars also connect Heracleopolis Magna to the biblical city of Hanes (חָנֵס), referenced in Isaiah 30:4.
Historical Timeline
Early Dynastic Period (c. 2970 BC)
The city’s earliest settlements likely date back to the First Dynasty, as suggested by the Palermo Stone, which records King Den’s visit to the sacred lake of Heryshef at Nenj-neswt. This points to the city’s early religious significance.
First Intermediate Period (2181–2055 BC)
After the collapse of the Old Kingdom, Egypt split into Upper and Lower regions. Heracleopolis became the dominant city of Lower Egypt, controlling much of the area.
The city frequently clashed with Thebes, the Upper Egyptian capital. This era is sometimes called the Herakleopolitan Period (9th and 10th Dynasties).
Also, it was during the First Intermediate Period time that Heracleopolis reached its peak as a political and cultural hub.
Middle Kingdom (2055–1650 BC)
The city’s power waned after its defeat by Mentuhotep II, who unified Egypt under Theban rule. Despite its reduced political influence, Heracleopolis became a religious center, housing the Temple of Heryshef, the city’s patron deity.
Third Intermediate Period (1069–664 BC)
The city regained prominence, undergoing renovations and new temple constructions. Heracleopolis remained an influential religious and political center.
Ptolemaic Egypt (332–30 BC)
The Ptolemies associated the Egyptian god Heryshef with the Greek hero Heracles, reinforcing the city’s religious significance. The Greek rulers maintained its status as a cultural center.
Roman Egypt (30 BC–390 AD)
The site remained active during Roman rule. Archaeological evidence, such as Roman-period houses near the Necropolis of Sedmet el-Gebel, suggests sustained habitation and activity.
A ceramic ushabti figure from Heracleopolis Magna, adorned with preserved linen wrappings, attributed to T3y-ms from Egypt’s 19th Dynasty. This artwork is currently housed in the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, London.
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Religious and Cultural Significance
Heracleopolis was a major religious center, primarily devoted to Heryshef, a ram-headed deity associated with fertility and creation. The Temple of Heryshef, constructed during the First Intermediate Period, was central to its religious identity. The interpretatio graeca during the Ptolemaic period further connected Heryshef to Heracles.
Archaeological Discoveries
- Edouard Naville (19th Century): Naville conducted the first extensive excavations, focusing on the Temple of Heryshef. However, he underestimated the site’s richness.
- Sir Flinders Petrie: Petrie expanded on Naville’s work, uncovering previously unknown structures, including:
- Roman-period houses
- Additions to the Temple of Heryshef from the 19th Dynasty
- Artefacts from various periods, such as pottery, tools, and icons.
- 1980s Spanish Team: This team discovered a libation altar and decorated statue fragments attributed to the Third Intermediate Period.
- 2008 Excavations: Led by María del Carmen Pérez-Die, these efforts uncovered:
- A tomb with undisturbed false doors and funeral offerings from the First Intermediate Period.
- The funeral chapel of Neferjau and his wife Sat-Bahetep.
- Tomb H.1, belonging to Khety, an 11th Dynasty official.
Relief from the funeral chapel of Neferjau and his wife Sat-Bahetep.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Heracleopolis mean?
The Greek name means “City of Heracles,” with “Magna” (great) distinguishing it from other cities of the same name. The Ancient Egyptian name, nn nswt, translates to “Child of the King.”
Where is Heracleopolis located today?
It is near the modern village of Ihnasiyyah, approximately 9 miles (15 km) west of Beni Suef in Egypt.
Which periods saw Heracleopolis rise to prominence?
The city flourished during the First Intermediate Period as the political center of Lower Egypt and regained importance during the Third Intermediate Period as a religious hub.
