Ehnasya El-Medina

Nestled near the gateway to Al-Fayoum, the modern village of Ehnasya el-Medina sits atop a hill, overlooking the ruins of Henen-nesw, the ancient capital of the 20th Upper Egyptian nome. Known to the Greeks as Herakleopolis Magna, this historic site spans 67 hectares and is a tapestry of cemeteries and temples, chronologically stretching from the Middle Kingdom to the Roman era.

Ehnasya el-Medina, also known as Ihnasya el-Medina and Ahnas el-Medina, is steeped in history. It was the birthplace of the rulers of the 9th and 10th Dynasties, who later clashed with the early monarchs of Theban Dynasty XI. In pharaonic times, Henen-Nesw was the revered center for the worship of the ram-headed god Herishef, later identified by the Greeks with Herakles, thus giving the city its classical name.

Herishef, a deity of fertility and creation, has been venerated since at least Dynasty I. His name, meaning ‘he who is upon his lake,’ has seen him associated with the sun-god Re and Osiris at various times. Often depicted as a ram-headed human, Herishef symbolizes a blend of divine aspects.

The temple dedicated to Herishef on the southwestern edge of the site is a testament to its religious significance. Originating in the Middle Kingdom, it saw expansions under Rameses II of Dynasty XIX, including the addition of a hypostyle hall. Excavations led by Naville and D’Hulst in 1891, and later by Petrie in 1904, unearthed a gold statue of Herishef and other Ramesside remains, further highlighting the temple’s historical prominence.

The Temple of Herishef, now partly obscured by rising groundwater and sand, boasts a forecourt adorned with colossal statues of Rameses II and an entrance hall lined with palm columns, possibly dating back to the Old or Middle Kingdom. The inner sanctum of the temple was accessed through a six-pillar hall, leading to its most sacred chambers.

Recent archaeological efforts, especially by Maria del Carmen Perez Die of the National Archaeological Museum of Madrid since 1984, have focused on the necropolis, shedding light on the First and Third Intermediate Periods. The discovery of a First Intermediate Period cemetery near the southern city wall, close to the modern village, is particularly significant. Unearthed tombs revealed early versions of the ‘Coffin Texts’ and provided crucial insights into the royal court of Herakleopolis.

In the year 2000, the tomb of the high official Wadjit-htep was found, featuring painted scenes of funerary feasts. This cemetery, though initially from the First Intermediate Period, appears to have been reused during the Middle Kingdom.

Further north, within the city walls, another excavation area unearthed burials from Dynasties XXI to XXVI. These tombs, used repeatedly over generations, reflect a continuity and adaptation of funerary practices, with notable finds including Libyan names and royal seals, revealing connections between Ehnasya and Tanis during the Third Intermediate Period.

Petrie’s early 1900s excavations unearthed parts of the town dating to the Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic Periods, along with a necropolis at Sedment el-Gebel, further enriching our understanding of Ehnasya el-Medina’s extensive history. This ever-evolving site continues to captivate scholars and visitors alike, offering a window into Egypt’s multifaceted past.