South of Fayoum to Assiut is a 200 miles stretch of the Nile through rural Egypt , which at various periods played a central role in the country’s history . Hundreds of monasterie and Churches were built here in the early Christian era , some of which have survived to the present . Around Minia , one of the largest Middle Egypt’s cities , are various ancient Egyptian ruins and monuments : Beni Hassan , Tell El Amarna , Aschmouneun , Tuna El Gabal and many others.

• EL MENIA

The metropolice of  Menia Governorate is El menia , onn the west bank of the Nile , about 247 kms. South of Cairo . you can get to El Meniaby air - conditioned trains ,in approximately 3 ½ .You can go also go by taxies , tourist buses or private cars . 

• Minia’s Monuments

- Beni Hassan Tombs

39 tombs carved in the hill , nine miles south of the city of Minia . Some of the tombs have dazzling paintings

The necropolis where hundreds of mummified ibis and  Baboons were founding an underground cemetery . Also thesite of the smallest Ptolemic temple.

- Tell El Amarna

The ancient site of the capital of Akhenaton and his beautiful  wife Nefertiti . Being considered today as the original father of monotheism , Akkenaton has built his Capital Tell El – Amarna . But following his death , the city was left in ruins . Five out of the 25 tombs discovered up on the limestone hills are open to the public . The arts and painting are badly damaged but they provide evidence of the profound changed in art and philosophy , begun by this unusual Pharaoh.

- Hermopolis (Ashmounein)

Was an important site for the worship of the god Thot ( depicated as a Baboon or as an Ibis ) . Only two large  baboon statues stand today.