[2] The name originated from the city of Prosopis (Ancient Greek: Προσωπίς), the exact location of which is not clear, but it is sometimes identified with Nikiou.
[3] The island was also a nome and was inhabited by the Hermotybians (Ancient Greek: Ἑρμοτύβιες), a warrior caste who were known to specialise solely in warfare, according to Herodotus.
The Athenians had been on the island since 453 BC and were born there under the rule of the Persian general Megabyzus.
The Persians' victory was made possible by the diversion of a canal, which resulted in a mainland connection to the island.
[7] After the Arab conquest of Egypt the Prosopites nome became known as kurah of al-Gazira, which was later reorganised into Gazirat Banu Nasr, with a capital in Ibyar.