HERAKLEOPOLIS

Greek name, more properly Herakleopolis Magna, for the Egyptian site of Nen-nesu, modern Ihnasya elMedina in Middle Egypt. It became the capital of Egypt under Dynasty 9 and Dynasty 10, until the overthrow of the last ruler by the prince of Thebes. Its main temple was dedicated to the local god Heryshef and enlarged by Ramesses II. The city was an important military garrison during Dynasty 22, and a branch of the royal family was established there. Excavations were carried out by British archaeologists from 1890–1891 and 1903–1904 and more recently by a Spanish expedition from 1966–1969, from 1976–1979, and since 1984, which has uncovered tombsof the royal family of Dynasty 22.