The Archaeological Museum of the University of Zagazig exhibits significant finds from the nearby sites, Bubastis (Tell Basta) and Kufur Nigm.

The city was founded in the 19th century on the site of a village called Nazlat az-Zaqāzīq which was named after the Zaqzuq family.

[5][6] The ruins of the ancient Egyptian city of Bubastis are located 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) southeast of town.

Bubastis is the Greek version of the Egyptian language name Pr-Bastet "House [Temple] of Bastet".

Catacombs where the sacred cats were buried are located behind the remains of an Old Kingdom chapel from the period of Pepi I Meryre.