This large site was one of the largest towns in the area during the First Millennium BC and was known as Leontopolis. It served as the capital of the XIth nome of Lower Egypt during the Ptolemaic period. Remains found at the site include a temple to the local lion god Mihos, tombs, and settlement areas.
In antiquity, the site probably extended far beyond its current site borders. Tpday, the site is threatened by the agricultural activities in the area and there are large pools of water nearby, creating several damp areas within the site itself..