Heliopolis. The Excavations of the Italian Archaeological Mission (1903–1906)

Heliopolis, the “City of the Sun,” was known in ancient times as Iunu, the capital of the 13° nome of Lower Egypt. The archaeological site is currently located on the northeastern periphery of Cairo, lying beneath the modern districts of Matariya, Arab el-Hisn, Ain Shams, and Arab el-Tawil (30° 07’ 45.7’’ N, 31° 18’ 27’’ E). Its outstanding religious, political, and economic significance has ancient roots, as it was believed to be the location of the primeval hill from which the world first emerged. Due to this importance, it became one of the major centers of the sun god cult. Its extensive archaeological history dates back to the beginning of the 4th millennium BCE, and all phases of Egyptian civilization—up to the late Ptolemaic era—are well attested.

Since the first systematic documentation of pharaonic monuments by European travelers in the late 18th century, many scholars have identified, mapped, and represented the original remains of Heliopolis and its most distinctive, still-preserved landmarks—such as the Obelisk of Senusret I—through various media. Despite its historical and religious prominence, its monumental remains have suffered significant plundering since the Early Imperial Roman era.

Numerous archaeological investigations have taken place at the site since the 1840s. However, the first extensive excavations were undertaken by the Missione Archeologica Italiana (M.A.I.), led by Ernesto Schiaparelli, director of the Museo Egizio (Turin, Italy). Four archaeological campaigns were conducted between 1903 and 1906 in various districts both within and outside the sacred precinct. Nevertheless, the results of these excavations were never published. The expected outcomes include the publication of a printed excavation report and the development of a webGIS platform providing open access to all available documentation related to the site. This project, sponsored by the White Levy Program, is directed by Dr. Federica Ugliano.