In extensive warrens of tunnels stretching far underground, the Birds Necropolis lies in Qarat El Farargi (the ‘Hill of the Chicken Merchant’), to the south of the town of El Bawiti, near the ruins of a XVII Dynasty temple and settlement, in the Bahariya Oasis. Ancient Egyptians believed in the great importance of mummifying birds in pleasing their deities. Here, there are subterranean galleries for the mummified sacred Ibis and falcons, dating from the Late to the Greco-Roman Period. The tombs had recesses in the walls for stacking the jars which contained the mummified birds. On walls of the tombs were found different graffiti for a number of gods and goddesses and burial items.