The abandoned citadel of Aghurmi, which sits on a limestone plateau overlooking a sea of palm groves, predates Shali as the center of Siwa.  In ancient times, Aghurmi was home to the famous Temple of the Oracle of Amon, but during the Roman Period the Temple fell into decline and many inhabitants moved behind its walls for security.  They lived there until the 13^th century when most of Aghurmi’s inhabitants relocated behind the kershef walls of Old Shali.