The city of Esna was known as “Lunyt” and was the capital of nomo III of Upper Egypt during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. The Temple of Esna is known as “the Temple of Jnum”.

The Temple was dedicated to the triad of Esna; Jnum, Anuket, and Seshat. The temple's construction began in the XVII Dynasty during the reign of Thutmosis III and Amenhotep II. Then it was extended during the period of the Ptolemies and Romans.

It was known as “Lates Niloticus” (Nile Perch) as a Greek-Roman name. This name was related to the goddess Neith (goddess of hunting and fishing).