Xoïs (Sakha) – Delta Capital of the Xoite Dynasty
Xoïs · Xois · Sakha · Khasuu
Old Kingdom / Second Intermediate·Egyptian·🇪🇬 Kafr el-Sheikh Governorate, central Delta, Burullus lake south, Egypt
About
About Xoïs (Sakha) – Delta Capital of the Xoite Dynasty
Lost capital of Xoite 14th Dynasty (76 kings) contesting Hyksos Avaris. Stepped temple of Amun and 8 m Hyksos walls detected by magnetometry; Herodotus lists Delta metropolis. Granite gateway displaced to village square.
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 Khasuu; Second Intermediate capital 14th Dyn c.1725–1650 BCE; Ramesside rebuild
- Period
- Old Kingdom / Second Intermediate
- Culture
- Egyptian
- Purpose
- Regional centre / fortified town and trade node
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
Old Kingdom Khasuu; Second Intermediate capital 14th Dyn c.1725–1650 BCE; Ramesside rebuild
Initial construction
c. 1391 CE
Abandonment
On the ground
Structures & features
31.0942° N · 30.9519° E · 5 m · 2 mapped features
Tell Sakha Enclosure
enclosureLevee 600×500 m with Hyksos wall 8 m thick
31.0945° N · 30.9522° ETemple of Amun of Xoïs
templeGranite gateway in Sakha square
31.0938° N · 30.9516° E