Royal Rest House? Archaeologists Find Fortified Mud-Brick Structure That Pharaoh of Ancient Egypt Could Have Used For Retreat During Military Campaigns

(Photo : Pixabay / Cezzare)

Archaeologists were able to uncover the remains of a fortified royal retreat from ancient Egypt.

Fortified Royal Rest House From Ancient Egypt

The fortified mud-brick structure, a testament to ancient Egyptian architectural prowess, was found in the Tel Hebwa archaeological site in the Sinai Peninsula's north. The Egyptian MTA (Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities) announced this in a recent statement. The structure, which measures [specific dimensions], features [specific architectural details], and was likely built during the reign of King Thutmose III.

Initial research in the area shows that the structure is from King Thutmose III's reign. This pharaoh was the 6th one of the 18th Dynasty in the New Kingdom of ancient Egypt.

The pharaoh, who is sometimes referred to as Thutmose the Great, is believed to have ruled over the area from 1479 B.C. until he died in 1425 B.C. at the age of 56 years. He is considered one of history's greatest military commanders, as he aided in the expansion of the Egyptian empire to its furthest extent thanks to various victorious campaigns.

The ancient building, meticulously studied and analyzed, could have served as a royal rest house based on its architectural layout and the scarcity of pottery shards inside. Researchers speculate that the pharaoh might have utilized this structure during military campaigns to expand the empire towards the east.

The building has two rectangular halls accompanied by several rooms. These were apparently fortified with a perimeter wall.

Mohamed Ismail Khaled, the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, played a crucial role in the discovery. His expertise and leadership guided the archaeological team in uncovering the structure, shedding light on important aspects of Egypt's military history, especially in the Sinai region during the era of the New Kingdom.

Archaeological efforts conducted at the site also led to the discovery of several burials. This finding is significant as it shows that the structure, which was once a royal retreat, served a different purpose during the latter periods of the history of ancient Egypt. It transformed into a cemetery, reflecting the changing societal and cultural practices of the time.

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Ancient Egyptian Discoveries

This discovery is one of many ancient finds reportedly made in Egypt in recent months.

Earlier this year, a joint archaeological mission between Egyptians and Americans unveiled a significant find-the missing upper part of a massive statue depicting an ancient pharaoh. This collaborative effort underscores the shared interest and dedication of these two nations in uncovering the mysteries of our past.

The Khemenu ancient city used to be a provincial capital since the Old Kingdom of Egypt. During the Roman era, it also turned into a major settlement.

Aside from this discovery, another team was also able to find various ancient tombs containing dozens of mummies, some with unique golden tongues, at the Oxyrhynchus ancient city. This archaeological site, situated roughly 100 miles south-southwest of Cairo, close to the Al-Bahnasa modern-day municipality, was extremely important during the Greco-Roman era of Egypt. This period, lasting for hundreds of years, starting from the late fourth century B.C. until the seventh century B.C., was a time of significant cultural and political change in Egypt. After Alexandria, it was Egypt's second city, and its archaeological remains are providing valuable insights into this transformative period of Egypt's history.