TANIS IN GOLD 1

Tanis in Gold

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Tanis in Gold

Egypt is one of the richest countries in terms of ancient history, and it attracts exceptional

tourism and archeologists. Roman influences are evident in the region south of Cairo with the

works of ancient priests archeologically confirmed through inscriptions, objects, buildings, and

cemeteries (Yoyotte 1988, 10). Initially, there was a limited exploration in the Lower Egypt but

the past 200 years marked a significant period of textual evaluation, particularly in San el Hagar.

Various influences placed interests in the mapping out the ancient Tanis kingdom. Textual

references that were tested through archeological explorations and artifacts provided evidence of

the existence of Ramesse kingdom. Archeological findings confirmed that the ancient city of

Tanis is the modern-day San el Hagar.

Tanis is a relatively a famous ancient Egyptian city. Historical figures such as Hero

Dotus, Plutarch, and Manetho understood the city of Pi-Ramesse very well (Yoyotte 1988, 14).

The mentioning of the city in divine text such as the Bible and ancient Copto-Arabic glossaries

guided Father Claude in his historical geography expeditions. Claude was impressed by the

extent to which San El Hagar matched the documented Tanis thus establishing that the two cities

were situated in the same location (Yoyotte 1988, 14). The discovery of majestic structures was

aligned to the expectations that San El Hagar was Tanis since Biblical documentation cited the

city as a place of Jewish confinement (Yoyotte 1988, 14).

Some of the earliest interests in Tanis historical assessments were spearheaded by

Auguste Mariette. Mariette was responsible for reservation of the Egyptian artifacts and

historically relevant scenes in the 19th century. The individuals discoveries were documented,

and a significant share of artifacts was taken to the Cairo museum. Mariettes excavation
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inspired the textual developments relating to the city of Tanis since unearthed inscriptions had

information about Hyksos and Ramesses II reigns (Yoyotte 1998, 10). The activities of the 19th

century failed to prove that San El Hagar was the site of Ancient Tanis conclusively. However,

such discoveries motivated further studies to the ancient setting of Tanis. Auguste Mariettes

successes inspired archeologist Pierre Montet to undertake studies in the 20th century (Yoyotte

1998, 10).

The process of determining the validity of a hypothesis that San El Hagar was Tanis

involved a search for evidence that XXIst dynasty and Ptolemaic evidence could be sited. XXIst

dynasty marked the founding of Tanis while Ptolemaic era witnessed the monumental

development of the great metropolis (Yoyotte 1988, 11). Archeological findings provided

profound evidence of the existence of the Ramesses city. Tanite structures and Pi-Ramesse

decorations were discovered (Yoyotte 1988, 12). Enormous sections of Tanis entrances with

engraved images of Ramesse II extending towards the Re-Harakhiti were also discovered

(Yoyotte 1988, 12). Archeological evidence suggested the existence of a majestic city. The scale

of the effigies, images, and inscriptions affirmed that San El Hagar was a place for a place of

religious significance to the reigning king (Yoyotte 1998, 12).

Archeologists also succeeded in identifying potential reasons for the citys fall. The

argument that limestone mining and stone builders improved the pace at which Tanis glory

vanished. The citys temples were primarily built of limestone (Yoyotte 1988, 12). Tanis

witnessed the looting of artifacts and sections of monumental buildings recycled to construction

material particularly at the end of the Pre-Christian era and the period of Islam dominance

(Yoyotte 1988, 12). The engravings found on re-used sculptures offered information about the

location of Tanis. Political successors emerged as contributing agents to the destruction of

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previously existing town (Yoyotte 1988, 12). An identification of numerous relics related to

Ramesses II reign supported the subject hypothesis.

The unearthing of large stone fragments bearing the name of Ramesse II along with

eleven royal statues supported the reasoning that San El Hagar was Tanis (Yoyotte 1988, 14).

Inscription messages citing the god Seth affirmed the idea since deity was the lord of Avaris,

also referred by Manetho as the city of Hyksos rule (Yoyotte 1988, 14). Lion sculptures with

human heads, obelicks, and statues discovered by Mariette had the engraving of the name of

Ramesses II (Yoyotte 1988, 14). Papyri literature suggested that Ramesses II set up capital in

San El Hagar surroundings (Yoyotte 1988, 14).

In conclusion, the presence of unique religious elements, the Canaanite literature, and the

emphasis on the Lord of Avaris suggest the dominance of Hyksos. Numerous excavations on

damaged molds and vessels with figures of Ramesses II insinuate the rulers presence in San El

Hagar. The documentation of Pi-Ramesse vineyard and the existence of the ancestors of the

ancient rulers are evident on artifacts and ruins. The extensive archeological evidence that

equally matches with early textual publications sufficiently convinced archeologists and

historians that San El Hagar area was the site of Tanis.

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Bibliography

Yoyotte, J., 1988, Tanis in Gold of the Pharaohs, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh. 10-18