Leontopolis (Tell el-Muqdam / Taremu)
Leontopolis · Tell el-Muqdam · Taremu
Old Kingdom to Ptolemaic·Egyptian·🇪🇬 Dakahlia Governorate, central Delta, Mendesian branch, Egypt
About
About Leontopolis (Tell el-Muqdam / Taremu)
Lion-god Mahes capital with huge enclosure 1000×800 m and red granite naos of Osorkon II; claimed rival Onias temple at Leontopolis. Dense Late Period lion cemetery with animal catacombs.
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Why it mattersSignificant regional centre illustrating cultural transition.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology refinement
- 02Function of enclosures
Theories
- 01Trade corridor model
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- Old Kingdom Taremu lion-cult; fortified 12th Dyn; 22nd Dyn Shoshenq I enlarges
- Period
- Old Kingdom to Ptolemaic
- Culture
- Egyptian
- Purpose
- Regional centre / fortified town and trade node
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
Old Kingdom Taremu lion-cult; fortified 12th Dyn; 22nd Dyn Shoshenq I enlarges
Initial construction
c. 1613 CE
Major expansion
On the ground
Structures & features
30.7525° N · 31.3572° E · 6 m · 2 mapped features
Lion Temple Enclosure
enclosureWall 1000×800 m with lion gate
30.7529° N · 31.3575° ELion Cemetery
necropolisCatacombs for Mahes lions
30.7521° N · 31.3569° E