The ancient settlement of Edfu saw a long period of occupation, which encompasses almost 3000 yearsof ancient Egyptian history. It functioned as an important urban center as the capital of the 2nd UpperEgyptian nome from the Old Kingdom onwards. Excavations have focused on different periods andareas of the ancient tell providing a glimpse into the evolution of an early urban settlement in the NileValley. A cemetery with tombs dating to the Old and Middle Kingdoms lies in the immediate vicinityof this settlement.