In the east of El Dakhla Oasis lies the Village of Balat which was built during the Mamaluke and Turkish Eras. It comprises a large settlement with a palace, administrative buildings, as well as a number of tombs. The word 'Balat' refers to the seat of the Pharaonic rulers of the Oasis, especially in the Old and Middle Kingdoms. Balat EL-Faraoneya Tombs consists of 5 Mastaba-styled tombs dating back to the Fourth Dynasty, to the reign of Kings Pepi I and Pepi II.