© Photo: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt
Archaeologists conducting excavations in the northern Sinai Peninsula have announced the discovery of a significant military fortress dating back to Egypt`s New Kingdom period (1550-1069 BC), as reported by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
The ministry stated that an Egyptian archaeological team, working at the Tell el-Harouba site in the Sheikh Zuweid area of northern Sinai, uncovered this New Kingdom era military stronghold. This discovery is highlighted as one of the most crucial fortresses found along the ancient «Way of Horus,» a vital route that historically connected Egypt with Asia.
The Ministry further emphasized that this archaeological find underscores the sophisticated military planning prevalent during the New Kingdom pharaonic era, where a series of fortresses were strategically constructed to safeguard Egypt`s eastern borders.
Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of Egypt`s Supreme Council of Antiquities, detailed the excavation results. Findings include a substantial section of the fortress`s southern wall, approximately 105 meters long and 2.5 meters wide. The site also revealed the remnants of 11 defensive towers, including the prominent northwestern tower, and segments of both the northern and western walls, providing a clear picture of its extensive fortifications.
Among other significant finds at the excavation site were numerous pottery shards, a vessel handle distinctively bearing the seal of Pharaoh Thutmose I, various volcanic stones, and a large oven, likely used for baking bread to supply the garrison.
The ministry`s statement indicated that archaeologists anticipate the imminent discovery of the remains of a military port that once served this impressive fortress. Preliminary estimates suggest the fortress itself covered an expansive area of approximately eight thousand square meters, hinting at its crucial strategic importance.
This remarkable discovery follows an earlier announcement in early May, where the ministry reported the uncovering of ancient Egyptian military fortifications and trenches in the Tell Abu Saifi area, also located in the northern Sinai Peninsula, signaling a rich archaeological landscape awaiting further exploration in the region.
