In an archaeological breakthrough, an Egyptian-German team has uncovered a complete Ptolemaic temple pylon in Sohag, Egypt, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing exploration of ancient Egyptian heritage. This joint mission, spearheaded by Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities and the University of Tübingen, promises to shed light on the untapped secrets of the Athribis temple complex.
The newly discovered pylon, situated on the western front of the main Athribis temple, stretches 51 meters wide, with two imposing towers each measuring 24 meters, separated by a grand entrance gate. Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, expressed excitement about the architectural marvel, which may have once rivaled the grandeur of the Luxor Temple with its estimated height of 18 meters.
The archaeological team is set to resume excavations to reveal the entirety of the temple structure, backed by directives from Sherif Fathi, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities. “This is a significant milestone that will pave the way for further excavation,” Dr. Khaled noted, emphasizing the cultural and historical importance of the site.
The Ptolemaic period, spanning from 305 BCE to 30 BCE, was a time of cultural fusion as Greek rulers, descended from Ptolemy I Soter, adopted and blended Egyptian customs with their own. This era is renowned for its syncretic art and architecture, as well as for the introduction of Greek language and customs into Egyptian society.
Mohamed Abdel Badie, head of the Central Administration for Upper Egypt Antiquities, highlighted the discovery of hieroglyphic inscriptions and scenes on the pylon’s facade, depicting King Ptolemy VIII, who likely founded the temple, alongside the lioness-headed goddess Repyt and her son, Kolanthes.
Dr. Christian Leitz from the German contingent shared that the team has unveiled a southern chamber initially discovered by renowned British archaeologist Flinders Petrie in the early 20th century. The chamber’s entrance is adorned with intricate hieroglyphs and iconography of deities such as Repyt and the fertility god Min, underscoring the temple’s religious significance.
Adding to the intrigue, Dr. Marcus Muller revealed the discovery of a previously unknown room at the top of a staircase, dating back to around 752 CE. This revelation offers a glimpse into the temple’s architectural complexity and its historical narrative.
This mission, which has been active in the Athribis area for over a decade, boasts a series of significant findings, including over 30,000 ostraca with inscriptions in Demotic, Coptic, and Hieratic scripts. Such discoveries echo the Ptolemaic era’s rich contributions to history, like the Rosetta Stone and the once-magnificent Library of Alexandria.
As the excavation continues, the partnership between Egyptian and German archaeologists is set to uncover more layers of Egypt’s rich cultural tapestry, offering invaluable insights for historians and archaeologists worldwide. Keep following Middle East Observer for the latest updates and exclusive insights into this remarkable exploration of ancient Egypt’s past.
