History
A place by the name of Zerzura is first documented in a mid-13th century by the amir (or veritable prince) Osman al-Nabulsi, who served as the regional administrator of the Fayyum. For the next two hundred years, there is veritably no mention of its existence until it suddenly reappears in the Kitab al Kanuz, or The Book of Hidden Pearls, a 13th century treasure hunting manual, which describes it as "a place full of gold and treasures in the heart of the desert, guarded by a white bird." To enter, the book recommends to "take with your hand the key in the beak of the bird, then open the door of the city. Enter, and there you will find great riches...." However, it further attests, "Only a brave man can enter the secret village, where in the palace he will find a sleeping queen, to be awakened with a kiss.