Reviving the Glory of Ancient Naucratis

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Tourism Guidance Department, Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management, Helwan University

2 Tourism Studies Department, Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management, Helwan University

Abstract

Naucratis – nowadays the village of Kom Geʿif – was one of the prominent cities during the Late Period of ancient Egypt. It is the place that witnessed the earliest direct contact between the native Egyptians and the Greeks who were permitted to permanently settle in that city, freely practice their own religious life, and more effectively engage in commercial activity.  Before the late 19th century AD, the site was only known through the historical accounts, yet Petrie’s recognition of the site opened the gate for a new phase of revealing its secrets through excavation work. The fieldwork reports largely verified the description stated in antiquity and included significant information, of which a good use can be made to recover the various features of the site. Based on the historical and archaeological importance of the ancient city, the site is worth being placed on the regional tourism map. Therefore, this article traces the history of the site, and surveys the excavations carried out to be the foundation for putting forward a proposal to develop a comprehensive strategy that would result in significant transformation. A comprehensive proposal to enhance the archaeological site of Naucratis in Egypt has been developed. This proposal includes introducing a unique form of tourism that blends cultural exploration with agricultural experiences centered around sesame cultivation as well as legend-induced tourism focusing on the fascinating narratives surrounding Naucratis.

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