Akoris, Egypt

Akoris (Egyptian: Mer-nefer(et) (Old and Middle Kingdoms), Per-Imen-mat-khent(j) (New Kingdom), or Dehenet (since 26th dynasty) is the Greek name for the modern Egyptian village of Ṭihnā al-Ǧabal (Arabic طهنا الجبل), located about 12 km north of Al Minya. The ancient site is situated in the southeast of the modern village.

Location

Akoris is located on the east bank of the Nile, at and below the limestone cliffs about 12 km north of Al Minya. The limestone cliffs at the east side of the place are divided here by a valley, the al-Wādī aṭ-Ṭihnāwī (Arabic الوادي الطهناوي). The southern rock looks like a lying lion.

Names of the site

The site was named with several names. In the Old and Middle Kingdoms Mer-nefer(et) (nice channel) was used. In the New Kingdom the site was named Per-Imen-m3t-khent(j) (The house of Amun the foremost lion). In the Late period (from 26th dynasty) it was named T3-dehenet (the cliff top).

In Greek times the names of Ἄκωρις (Akoris or in Latin Acoris) or Τῆνις (Tēnis) were given. The name of Akoris can be found in the third line of the rock stele of Ptolemy V Epiphanes at this site.