The abandoned citadel of Aghurmi sits on a limestone plateau overlooking a sea of palm groves. Aghurmi, home to the famous Temple of the Oracle of Amon, preceded Shali as the center of Siwa. During the Roman Period it began to fall into decline and many inhabitants moved elsewhere for security.  Aghurmi was the center until the 13^th century when most of its inhabitants relocated to the walls of Old Shali.