Arabic Ṣā al-Ḥajar
Ancient Egyptian city.
Located in the delta on the Canopic, or Rosetta, branch of the Nile River , it was from prehistoric times the site of the chief shrine of Neith , goddess of war and the loom. It became the capital of Egypt under Psamtik I (r. 664–609 BC). His successors of the 26th dynasty also had their capital there. Enriched by trade from the Mediterranean region and Africa, the Saite kings built fine temples, palaces, and tombs. Inscribed stones found on the site and in nearby villages are all that remain of the once-great city.