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TAPOSIRIS MAGNA: A CITY ESTABLISHED BY PTOLEMY II

Taposiris Magna is a city in Egypt established by Pharaoh Ptolemy II Philadelphus between 280 and 270 BC.

Its position on the arm of the now dried up bed of Lake Mareotis suggests its may have played a role in trade between Egypt and Libya.

Traders from the west would be able to use water to the harbour, then take a caravan route onwards. 

The name means 'great tomb of Osiris' and likely comes from a great temple.

During an excavation in 2020 a team of archaeologists found a mummy with a golden tongue, likely so they could speak with Osiris in the afterlife. 

The temple in the city was thought to be the final resting place of Cleopatra. 

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