Although the date and the etymology of this defending structure remain disputed, one thing for sure is that in the age of Augustus the Deltaic Babylon already became a town of some importance, and was the headquarters of the three legions which ensured the obedience of Egypt.

According to the tradition, the Holy Family reached this place after leaving from Matariya and settled in one of the caves for years. The little Jesus performed several miracles in the district while his father St. Joseph laboured in the fortress to support the Holy Family.

Photo: Wikipedia, the fortress

Photo: Shangyun Shen, a close look of the fortress.