Memphis (now called Mit Rahineh) was the capital city of Egypt during the Old Kingdom (2625-2130 B.C.) and remained an important administrative and religious center throughout Egyptian history. The site of Memphis was sacred to the god Ptah, his consort Sekhmet and the third member of the Memphite Triad, Nefertem. Egyptian Section Curator Clarence Fisher excavated at Memphis for 8 years (1915-1923), during which he discovered the ceremonial palace of the New Kingdom pharaoh Merenptah (1213-1204 B.C.) as well as an associated urban area; a series of later settlements; and a temple precinct dedicated to Ptah. Much of the material excavated during these seasons, including substantial portions of the palace, is now in the University Museum. Under Rudolf Anthes, the Museum returned to the site of Memphis during the years 1950-1962 and excavations were carried out at the temple of Ptah.