In a groundbreaking discovery that has captivated historians and astronomers alike, archaeologists have unearthed what is believed to be the oldest and largest ancient Egyptian astronomical observatory. This remarkable find has been made at the site of Tell El Farain, once the sacred ground of the Temple of Buto in the Nile Delta, east of Alexandria.
The expedition, led by Hossom Ghonim, director-general of Kafr El-Sheikh Antiquities, initially set out to explore what was thought to be the ruins of a sixth-century BCE temple. However, further excavation revealed an L-shaped structure with features suggesting it served a much more celestial purpose. “Everything we found shattered our expectations,” Ghonim shared, highlighting the dual role the site likely played as both a spiritual and scientific hub.
Archaeologists discovered engraved stones and what appeared to be a stone observatory tower adorned with astronomical inscriptions. A large sundial, used to track the sun’s movements, and a merkhet, an ancient time-keeping tool for star tracking, were among the artifacts uncovered, pointing to the site’s use in astronomical observations.
The approximately 9,150-square-foot structure boasted elements associated with traditional Egyptian architecture, including a gateway facing east and images of sky deities like Horus, the falcon son of the goddess Wadjet. Interestingly, the placement of the temple’s pillars diverged from typical designs, possibly symbolizing the division of time into seasons or months.
This discovery has shed new light on the advanced astronomical knowledge possessed by the ancient Egyptians, further emphasizing their intricate understanding of the cosmos. The site at Tell El Farain not only underscores the Egyptians’ spiritual connection to the heavens but also their scientific prowess in mapping the stars.
As experts continue to study these findings, the ancient observatory promises to unveil more secrets about the celestial ambitions of the pharaohs, offering a fresh perspective on how they aligned their earthly realm with the universe above.
