Discover the true story of Tanis, from its incredible unlooted royal tombs to how you can visit this hidden archaeological gem today. It’s a tale of pharaohs, lost treasures, and a cinematic connection that has captivated the world, and we’re here to guide you through the real adventure.

What is Tanis? Uncovering Egypt’s Northern Capital

For many, the name Tanis instantly brings to mind Indiana Jones and the search for the Ark of the Covenant. But before it was a Hollywood set piece, Tanis was a real, historically significant ancient city. Start with the movie connection to hook the reader, but the true story is even more fascinating. Located in the Nile Delta, far from the bustling tourist trails of Luxor and Giza, this ancient metropolis served as the capital of Egypt during a powerful era, earning it the nickname “Thebes of the North.”

The Rise of a Powerful City

Tanis was founded during the late New Kingdom, but its golden age truly began when it became the capital of Egypt during the 21st and 22nd Dynasties (around 1077 to 740 BC). During this time, it was a major political and religious hub, with a grand temple complex dedicated to the god Amun, mirroring the famous Karnak Temple in Thebes. The pharaohs of this period adorned their capital with colossal statues, obelisks, and temples, many of which were transported from the even older capital of Pi-Ramesses.

Why is Tanis Called a ‘Lost City’?

The city was built on the silty, ever-changing landscape of the Nile Delta. Over centuries, the branch of the Nile that sustained it silted up, and the city was gradually abandoned and buried by sand and time. Its exact location was lost to history for centuries, becoming a legend whispered among archaeologists. It wasn’t until 1939 that French archaeologist Pierre Montet and his team rediscovered the site, unveiling a chapter of Egyptian history that had been all but forgotten.

The Royal Tombs of Tanis: A Discovery Rivaling Tutankhamun

The most spectacular discovery at Tanis was a collection of intact royal tombs, a find that should have shaken the world just as Tutankhamun’s had. Unlike the famous tombs carved into the cliffs of the Valley of the Kings, these pharaohs were cleverly buried in stone chambers hidden within the walls of the main temple compound. Unfortunately, the outbreak of World War II in 1939 overshadowed the news of this incredible find, leaving it a lesser-known, yet equally important, piece of history.

The Unlooted Tomb of Pharaoh Psusennes I

At the heart of the discovery was the unlooted tomb of Pharaoh Psusennes I. Inside, archaeologists found not a gold coffin, but something even rarer: a magnificent sarcophagus made of solid silver, a metal more precious than gold to the ancient Egyptians. The pharaoh’s mummy wore a stunning solid gold death mask, a masterpiece of craftsmanship that rivals Tutankhamun’s in its beauty. The tomb was also filled with an incredible collection of gold and lapis lazuli jewelry, ornate vessels, and other royal treasures.

Other Notable Royal Burials

The royal necropolis at Tanis also held the final resting places of other pharaohs, including Amenemope and Shoshenq II. Archaeologists noted that many of the materials used in these burials were reused from much older sites, a common practice during this period of Egyptian history. These tombs provide a unique glimpse into the burial practices and wealth of the rulers of the Third Intermediate Period.

Where to See the Tanis Treasure Today

While the tombs themselves remain at the archaeological site, their breathtaking contents have been moved for preservation and display. Today, most of the treasure of Tanis, including the gold mask and silver coffin of Psusennes I, is housed in the world-renowned Egyptian Museum in Cairo. When you visit, be sure to seek out this extraordinary collection; it’s a quiet corner of the museum that holds a story of immense discovery. To make your visit seamless, you can explore our day trips to the Egyptian Museum from Hurghada!

Visiting Tanis (San el-Hagar) Today: A Guide for Adventurers

A trip to Tanis, known today as San el-Hagar, is an adventure for the true history enthusiast. It is an open-air museum, not a restored city, offering a raw and authentic archaeological experience without the crowds of more famous sites. It’s the perfect destination for travelers who want to step off the beaten path and connect with a deeper layer of Egyptian history.

How to Get to Tanis

The site is located near the modern town of San el-Hagar in the northeastern Nile Delta. The best way to access it is on a long day trip from Cairo or Port Said. Organized group tours to Tanis are very rare, so visiting usually requires a private arrangement with a car and a guide. This exclusivity is part of what makes the experience so special.

What You Will See at the Archaeological Site

As you walk through the site, you’ll be surrounded by the scattered ruins of the great Temple of Amun. The landscape is a fascinating puzzle of fallen obelisks, toppled colossal statues, and massive stone blocks covered in hieroglyphs. You can also see the area where Pierre Montet made his incredible discovery of the royal tombs, imagining the excitement of that moment in 1939.

Tips for Your Visit

To truly appreciate the jumble of ruins, it’s essential to go with a knowledgeable guide who can bring the history of the stones to life. The site is exposed with little shade, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. The best and most comfortable time to visit is during the cooler months, from October to April.

The Real Tanis vs. Indiana Jones: Fact vs. Fiction

We have to address the elephant in the room: the blockbuster film ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark.’ In the movie, Tanis is dramatically depicted as a lost city buried in a sandstorm in the vast desert near Cairo. The reality is quite different. The real Tanis is situated in the lush, green, and agricultural landscape of the Nile Delta. Furthermore, while the city’s history is rich, there has never been any historical association between Tanis and the Ark of the Covenant.

Was the ‘Well of the Souls’ Real?

The incredible “map room” and the snake-filled “Well of the Souls” were brilliant and memorable Hollywood inventions. The real royal tombs at Tanis were much smaller, well-constructed stone chambers, not a vast, booby-trapped cavern. Understanding the difference allows you to appreciate both the thrilling creativity of the film and the equally compelling, authentic history of the site.

Ready for Your Own Egyptian Adventure?

Tanis is just one of hundreds of incredible historical sites scattered across Egypt, each with its own story to tell. Whether you dream of exploring famous temples or uncovering hidden gems, a journey through Egypt is an unforgettable experience. Let us help you create a trip that takes you to the places you’ve always dreamed of seeing. You can design your bespoke Egypt adventure with our experts!

FAQs About Tanis

Is Tanis from Indiana Jones a real place?

Yes, Tanis is a very real archaeological site in Egypt. While the movie took creative liberties with its location and story, the city itself was a powerful capital during the reign of the pharaohs of the 21st and 22nd Dynasties.

Where is the ancient city of Tanis located?

The ancient city of Tanis is located in the northeastern Nile Delta of Egypt, near the modern town of San el-Hagar. It is about a 3-4 hour drive from Cairo.

Can you visit the royal tombs at Tanis?

You can visit the archaeological site of Tanis and see the area where the royal tombs were discovered. However, the tombs themselves are empty, as all the priceless treasures were moved to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo for safekeeping and display.

What is the most famous treasure found at Tanis?

The most famous treasures are from the tomb of Pharaoh Psusennes I. They include his solid silver coffin and his magnificent solid gold funerary mask, which is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of ancient Egyptian art.

Is it easy to get to Tanis from Hurghada or Luxor?

Getting to Tanis from Red Sea resorts like Hurghada or from Luxor in the south is difficult due to the long distance. It is best visited as a dedicated day trip from Cairo or other cities in the Nile Delta region.

From legendary pharaohs to Hollywood fame, the story of Tanis is a captivating journey through time. While it may not hold the Ark of the Covenant, its real treasures offer a priceless window into the world of ancient Egypt. With over 25 years of experience creating bespoke luxury travel experiences, Sola Travel is here to help you explore this and other hidden gems. We offer a best price guarantee on all our tours, ensuring your adventure is both unforgettable and affordable. Create your custom Egypt tour and uncover hidden gems like Tanis!