It was excavated by Fernand Bisson de la Roque in 1925, who identified several structures dedicated to the war-god Montu.

A simple Temple of Montu existed here already towards the end of the Old Kingdom, or during the First Intermediate Period.

There were two pylons, one behind the other and, beyond them, there was a double cave sanctuary, the underground chambers of which were marked with mounds on the surface.

During the Middle Kingtdom's 12th Dynasty, the old temple was completely rebuilt on a bigger scale.

Further building and renovation continued well into the time of the Roman Empire.