The ancient city of Rafah is and has been for many years the southern port to Palestine, a port that was the cause of many battles fought against invaders of Palestine in the north and Egypt in the south.
One of Palestine’s oldest cities, Rafah formed a natural border between Egypt and the Fertile Crescent. Marble colonnades and obelisks were erected to mark the boundary between Palestine and Egypt.
The name of the city, currently home to 130.000 residents, appeared alongside the name Gaza in pharaohs’ scripts dating back to the 16th century B.C.E. The city was used as a primary guard point along the Hawras coastal road, which witnessed increased activity when the pharaohs came into full power.
Rafah was known in the Islamic era as a rest station for travelling merchants. Historians in the 11th century described the city as an industrious hub, featuring a market, a mosque, and several hotels and shops. Archaeologists believe that the sands of the western part of Rafah cover ruins belonging to the Roman era.
Do you know something we don't?
Contact Us
Added: May 2006