Ancient city, Upper Egypt.
Located south of Thebes , it was the prehistoric residence of the kings of Upper Egypt. Now an archaeological site, it reveals the beginning of Egypt's historical period. It was at its height from 3400 BC to the Old Kingdom (с 2575 BC). Thutmose III later completely rebuilt the Archaic temple. During the New Kingdom, el-Kab, across the river, became economically more important, but Hierakonpolis retained its place as a religious and historical centre.