Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt — In a groundbreaking discovery, an Egyptian archaeological mission has unveiled the first and largest ancient astronomical observatory from the 6th century BCE at the Buto Temple in the Tell El-Faraeen archaeological site, located in the Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate. This remarkable find sheds light on the advanced astronomical knowledge and practices of the ancient Egyptians.
The observatory, constructed from mudbrick, played a crucial role in tracking solar and stellar movements. “It highlights the advanced astronomical knowledge of the ancient Egyptians, including their ability to determine the solar calendar and significant religious and agricultural dates,” said Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA). Khaled added that the structure offers insights into the sophisticated techniques employed by the ancient Egyptians using simple tools.
Among the key discoveries is a rare slanted stone sundial, which would have been used to measure time based on the position of the sun. Additionally, remnants of a large mud brick building, believed to be the largest of its kind from that era, were uncovered. The observatory features an expansive structure with an L-shaped central hall, a large mudbrick wall resembling the iconic pylon entrances of ancient Egyptian temples, and several storage rooms.
Ayman Ashmawy, head of the ancient Egyptian antiquities sector, noted that the mission also uncovered several significant artefacts. These include a statue from the 26th Dynasty, a merkhet measuring tool, and various religious items and pottery related to daily life and rituals. The merkhet, an ancient Egyptian time keeping instrument, further underscores the sophisticated methods used to track celestial movements.
“The discovery provides deeper insights into the ancient Egyptians’ scientific and religious practices, underscoring the significance of Egyptian archaeological efforts in exploring new aspects of the country’s rich history,” Ashmawy remarked. The unearthed artefacts and the observatory itself offer a glimpse into the daily lives and spiritual beliefs of the ancient Egyptians, highlighting their profound understanding of astronomy.
This significant find at Tell El-Faraeen not only enriches our knowledge of ancient Egyptian science but also emphasizes the importance of ongoing archaeological efforts in the region. The observatory stands as a testament to the ingenuity and intellectual achievements of the ancient Egyptians, who utilized their astronomical expertise for both practical and ceremonial purposes.
As the excavation continues, archaeologists hope to uncover more artefacts and details that will further illuminate the sophisticated world of ancient Egyptian astronomy and its impact on their civilization.
