These 7 Locations Could Be Where Real Events In The Bible Happened
For years, Ancient Egypt has fascinated researchers with its many discoveries. From an Ancient Egyptian stone circle described as the world's oldest observatory to a 4,000-year-old tomb unearthed in Asyut, these discoveries provide insight into the history of Ancient Egypt, one of the world's oldest civilizations.
However, there are also many unsolved mysteries surrounding Ancient Egypt. Among these are the lost cities of Egypt that have never been found despite years of research and archaeological exploration.
One of the most fascinating mysteries is the lost city of Thinis, which is somewhat of an "Atlantis" of Ancient Egypt. Historians have hypothesized much about this city and have even confirmed its existence. However, its location remains just one of many fascinating ancient mysteries that may never be solved.
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What Historians Know About The Lost "Atlantis" Of Ancient Egypt
Thinis was an influential Ancient Egyptian city that thrived for 500 years
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Thinis is considered to have been the capital of the First Dynasty of Egypt. The ancient city was founded and ruled by a pharaoh named Narmer, who united Upper and Lower Egypt around 3150 BCE. This unification led to Thinis thriving for an additional 500 years.
The city of Thinis played an essential role in shaping the culture of the Ancient Egyptian societies that followed it. It served as a provider for the newly unified kingdom, ensuring its inhabitants had food and an army for protection.
Historians also believe the architecture within Thinis was a blueprint for other cities like Nekhen. The city likely had stone buildings and square mud complexes. Its rulers were also buried in royal tombs, similar to ancient cities in later dynasties.
While Thinis was a cultural and military center for many years, the city dwindled during Egypt's Third Dynasty. As a result, a new capital named Memphis was founded near the Nile Delta, which eventually replaced Thinis as the kingdom's capital.
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How Historians Know The Lost Ancient Egyptian City Of Thinis Existed
Researchers have found compelling information proving the city of Thinis did exist
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Historians know that Thinis existed because it has been referenced in various writings, most notably by a Greco-Egyptian author and priest named Manetho in the third century BCE. His work, Aegyptiaca, provides a chronological history of Ancient Egyptian kings and their capital cities, starting with Thinis in the first century BCE.
Other ancient sources, such as written tax records, indirectly link Thinis to the ancient city of Abydos, which exists in present-day Egypt. During the reign of Thutmose III in the 18th Dynasty, tax records show Thinis was a wealthy city, paying six debens (1.2 pounds) of gold, half a deben (45.5 grams) of silver, and large amounts of produce each year. Abydos paid significantly less, including just three sacks of grain, compared to Thinis' 65 sacks.
With references to Thinis in sacred texts like The Book of Going Forth by Day (Egyptian Book of the Dead), the city also played a significant role in shaping the religious beliefs of future ancient cities. Not only was it home to a temple dedicated to Anhur, the god of war, but according to the Egyptian Book of the Dead, it was considered a celestial city connected to the afterlife.
Despite its wealth and high religious standing, archaeologists have never found artifacts from Thinis, leaving them to estimate its location based on context clues.
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Where Could The Lost "Atlantis" Of Ancient Egypt Be Located?
Researchers have an idea of where the ancient city of Thinis may have been, but there is no concrete evidence
Second courtyard of the Temple of Ramesses II at Abydos, Egypt
Historians believe Thinis was located in now modern-day Girga in Upper Egypt, just 16 miles from Abydos. Historical texts outlining the relationship between Abydos and Thinis support this theory.
The sacred burial ground in Abydos, known as Umm el-Qa'ab, was also the final resting place for First Dynasty rulers of Thinis like King Narmer and Queen Merneith and later Second Dynasty kings. The location of the royal tombs further proves the theory that Thinis was located near Abydos.
Naga ed-Deir, the site of an excavated ancient cemetery across from Girga, may offer more clues about the location of Thinis. Archaeologists found tombs and artifacts dating between the First and Fourth Dynasties at the site. While this discovery doesn't explicitly associate Thinis with any specific location, researchers say its remnants may be buried underneath Naga ed-Deir.
It is certain that Thinis was one of the most powerful cities of early Ancient Egypt. However, its location remains one of history's biggest unsolved mysteries, earning it the title of the lost "Atlantis" of Egypt.
Time Period:
3150 to 2890 BCE
What Thinis Was Known For:
Thinis was the capital of the First Dynasty and was known for its wealth, military power, and religious standing.
Where Thinis May Be Located:
Thinis may be located in modern-day Girga, but it has never been confirmed.
What Led to the Downfall of Thinis:
A dwindling population led to the city's downfall.
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What's Next For Archaeological Research About Thinis?
Archaeologists are abandoning traditional excavation methods for more efficient technologies
An aerial view of Temple of Pharaoh Hatshepsut, Egypt
Pinpointing the buried remnants of Thinis remains a challenge since there is so much area to cover. Instead of traditional excavation methods, archaeologists are using more advanced and efficient technologies to survey larger areas without digging.
One method archaeologists are using is aerial photography. It involves capturing images from planes equipped with specialized cameras to identify and map possible archaeological sites. Additionally, remote sensing uses electromagnetic sensors placed on airborne platforms to collect data about the Earth's surface.
Another promising method archaeologists are using to find Thinis is through geophysical surveys. Geophysical surveys use advanced sensors to detect buried archaeological sites and create detailed maps without excavation.
Archaeological Method:
How It Works:
Aerial Photography
Captures images from planes using specialized cameras to map archaeological sites.
Remote Sensing
Uses electromagnetic sensors on airborne platforms to collect data on the Earth's surface.
Geophysical Surveys
Uses advanced sensors to detect buried archaeological sites without excavation.
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While it is certain that Thinis was one of the most powerful cities of early Ancient Egypt, its location remains one of history's biggest unsolved mysteries. However, with the use of advanced technology, archaeologists are getting closer to finding the lost "Atlantis" of Egypt.