The historical geography of Bilbeis

Bilbeis (also spelled Bilbays or Bilbīs) was an ancient city of “Eastern Province" of Egypt (Sharqīya) located in the eastern Nile River delta. The city was parish of the Eastern Hawf Province until the late 4th century AD, and it was the capital of the "Eastern Province" until Mamluk Sultanate period.
This city was significantly important in Political and military aspects during the Islamic age. It was known, like Cairo and Fustat, as military camp of Egypt and gateway of Levant. Although it had the advantages of suitable climate and economic prosperity, because of its strategic position, it was continuously invaded by attacking armies. So in comparison to other Egyptian cities, it was not culturally and scientifically developed.
In the beginning of 19th century, by capital transfer of Eastern Province to the Zagazig, the city lost its political and military priority and became an ordinary city of province.
This study advances our understanding of Bilbeis’s historical geography by explaining the war effects on its cultural decline.