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New sections of ancient Egyptian temple reveal inscriptions of Pharaoh Psamtik I

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • Egyptian archaeologists unearthed previously unexplored sections of an ancient temple in the Bahariya Oasis.
  • Excavations revealed a main hall with sandstone columns and chambers containing inscriptions of Pharaoh Psamtik I and ancient deities.
  • The discovery provides new evidence of the site's historical importance and its role as a religious and administrative center across different Egyptian dynasties.

Archaeological excavations in Egypt's Bahariya Oasis have uncovered new sections of an ancient temple complex, revealing significant inscriptions and artifacts. The discoveries, made in the village of al-Qasr, date back to Egypt's 26th Dynasty, the last native dynasty before the Persian conquest.

represents new evidence of the great historical and archaeological importance of the Old Palace site in the Bahariya Oasis, and its role as a prominent religious and administrative center across successive historical periods

— Dr. Hisham El-LeithySecretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explaining the significance of the discovery.

An Egyptian archaeological mission, working on behalf of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, unearthed the temple's main hall. This area features 16 sandstone columns and several connecting chambers and shrines. Within these, archaeologists found stone blocks bearing the names and titles of King Psamtik I, the first pharaoh of the 26th Dynasty. Additional hieroglyphics identified several ancient Egyptian deities, including Amun-Ra, Amunet, and Khonsu.

contribute to deepening our understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization and reveal more of its secrets

— Sherif FathyTourism and Antiquities Minister, praising the archaeological mission's efforts.

The site also yielded evidence of earlier historical periods. Archaeologists discovered a stone stele from the 18th Dynasty, during the reign of King Amenhotep II, and fragments from the 19th Dynasty, associated with King Ramesses II. Further evidence of Greek and Roman activity, including ostraca and Coptic and Latin texts, was found, alongside basins used for producing wine and oils.

unique archaeological wealth

— Sherif FathyTourism and Antiquities Minister, describing Egypt's historical findings.

Officials emphasized the discovery's importance. Dr. Hisham El-Leithy stated it represents "new evidence of the great historical and archaeological importance of the Old Palace site." Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy affirmed that the unearthing "contribute[s] to deepening our understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization." He also highlighted the competence of Egyptian archaeological personnel in uncovering new historical chapters.

competence of Egyptian archaeological personnel and their ability to uncover new chapters of the nation's ancient history, a cornerstone for strengthening the cultural tourism product

— Sherif FathyTourism and Antiquities Minister, commenting on the skills of Egyptian archaeologists.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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