The archaeological site of Tanis is enormous.
The Gates of Tanis: Patience in the Nile Delta
The journey to the ancient city of Tanis isn't for the faint of heart. After a long, bumpy trek through the Egyptian delta, we finally arrived at the doorstep of one of history’s most mysterious capitals. While Hollywood once imagined Indiana Jones hunting for the Ark here in Raiders of the Lost Ark, the real-life site offers some sensational discoveries of its own.
Waiting for the Keys
Life in modern Egypt moves to its own rhythm. Upon arrival, we found the site quiet and the gates locked. In this part of the world, Friday is a day of rest and reflection. We settled in to wait for the local gatekeeper to finish Friday prayers. The keys to the “Lost City” were tucked away as the community gathered.
Anticipation in the Delta
Standing at the edge of the ruins, you can feel the weight of the 21st and 22nd Dynasties. While we wait for the gates to swing open, the vast, dusty mounds of the Nile Delta hint at the massive temples and royal tombs hiding just out of sight.
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Click the panel below to view: “Tanis Arrival.”