Arabic name for the necropolis of Hermopolis in the desert near the city. A boundary stela of Akhenaten marks it as the edge of his city at Amarna. The site is primarily known for its decorated tombsfrom the Persian Periodto the Roman Period, notably that of Petosiris discovered in 1920, and underground galleries for the burials of ibis mummies sacred to the god Thoth. The site was excavated by the Egyptian Antiquities Service from 1919–1920 and 1931–1952, a German expedition beginning in 1983, and a joint German–Egyptian expedition since 1989. TURA. Modern name for the site south of Cairo of the principal limestone quarry used by the ancient Egyptians for fine stone, notably for the outside blocks for the pyramids at Giza. The quarries are still in use.
See also Hatnub.
Historical Dictionary Of Ancient Egypt by Morris L. Bierbrier
Ancient Egypt. A Reference Guide. EdwART. 2011.