Akhmim

The town of Akhmim has several names. In Coptic it was known as Khmin, Khent-min in the Pharaonic period, and Chemmis during the ptolomaic age. To the Greeks, the town was known as Panopolis, during the Hellenistic period. The name Panopolis was derived from ithyphallic God Min, considered as the God of fertility in the city.

Akhmim lies on the opposite side of the Sohag River with river Nile flowing in the nearby region. The tourist police often escort the visitors and help them in finding the different routes.

Akhmim is greatly known for the weaving and tapestry industries which is the oldest in Egypt. There are different stores and shops which are popular for selling fine looking clothes, printed materials and textiles.

The most visited locations at Akhmim are the ruins that have been discovered lately. The Graeco-Roman temple was discovered during building construction work. During excavations, parts of the statue of Ramesses II were found by the archeologists. The Museum at Akhmim contains statue of the queen which have been carved out of limestone and also the statue of Venus, the god of the Romans. The other places of interest are Necropolis of El-Hawawish, Grotto of Pan, statue of Meryetamun and El-Salamuni Promontory.