The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Image via Ahmed Abdalfattah on You Tube.

If you’re a fan of the Indiana Jones franchise, then you’re in for a real treat! For those who have seen Raiders of the Lost Ark, the first instalment of Harrison Ford’s epic action-packed series and one of the highest-grossing films in 1981, you may be familiar with the city of Tanis. According to National Geographic, it was portrayed in the movie as a “lost” Egyptian city, that was once buried due to an ancient sandstorm and then rediscovered by the Nazis who were in search of the Ark of the Covenant.

In reality, Tanis does indeed exist, but it was never really “lost” per se, plus the potential presence of the Ark beneath the sand is still under speculation. What we are sure of though is that it is located in the Nile Delta, and was the capital of Egypt during the 21^st and 22^nd dynasties under the rule of the Tanite kings. People searched for the hidden city for years until a French archaeologist, Pierre Montet, finally discovered it in San El-Hagar (Sharkia governorate) in 1939.

And now, through a collaboration between the French ambassador in Egypt and the Minister of Antiquities, Khaled Al Anani, the archaeological city of Tanis will be developed into a public open-air museum, according to Safareya. The future landmark will include “the establishment of a centre for visitors, a path through the site, services, and signs to explain the history of the site.”

After the completion of the several restorations, repairs, assembly, and re-installation of the priceless and rare treasures, tombs, and structures; fantasies of Indiana Jones fans will become a reality, Egyptians will learn more and embrace their heritage, and the tourism sector will prosper.