In a rare inscription found at Tell El-Habua, the ancient eastern gateway to Egypt, Pharaoh Thutmose II is given an ankh, or key of life, by Ra-Horakhty--an amalgamation of the sun god Ra and the falcon-headed Horus. Such artistic intermingling of kings and gods identifies Tell El-Habua site as a religious center, as well as a military base.

The site formed part of the Horus Way--a long road of fortifications that protected Egypt's eastern front from invaders--and was a key starting point for military campaigns during Egypt's acquisitive New Kingdom period.