The city was founded before the 31st century B.C. and was abandoned in the 7th century AD after the Arabic invasion. A new administration center was established in the nearby city of Fustat. After being passed from hand to hand, the city eventually burned down. The order came from the vizier Shawar ibn Mujir al-Sa’di. During the siege by the crusaders under the command of King Amalric I of Jerusalem, he evacuated inhabitants and ordered his men to burn the city completely. Nowadays, the oldest district of Cairo—Old Cairo—is located on the ruins of Fustat.
