Archaeologists have uncovered an ancient Egyptian town dating back 3,400 years, likely established during the reign of Akhenaten, the father of Tutankhamun, and expanded centuries later by Ramses II. The Sun reported the discovery, noting the town's potential importance in understanding Egypt's New Kingdom period.
Located at the Kom el-Nugus site, approximately 43 km. west of Alexandria, the settlement is the earliest known Egyptian habitation north of Lake Mariout. The city reveals unprecedented clues about life during the reigns of Akhenaten, his queen Nefertiti, and Ramses II, including connections to Tutankhamun's family.
Researchers uncovered the remains of the 3,400-year-old settlement near Lake Mariout, marking the first discovery of a New Kingdom city in the region. The name of the mysterious settlement remains unknown. Among the finds is the name Meritaten, daughter of Akhenaten and Nefertiti, which emerged through a stamped amphora jug bearing her name.
"It's not clear exactly how large the settlement was, but the quality of the remains, their planned organization around a street, could suggest a fairly large-scale occupation," said Sylvain Dhennin, study author and archaeologist at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), according to Libertatea. The presence of well-designed streets and residential structures indicated an organized community, possibly used seasonally or by military garrisons.
The discovery of a stamp bearing Meritaten's name suggested that there was an estate in the area linked to wine production intended for royalty. "The presence of this stamp probably indicates the production of wine belonging to a royal estate," explained Dhennin.
Archaeologists also found temple blocks dedicated by Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses II, who ruled between 1279 and 1213 BCE. Among the findings were temples, including one built by Ramses II, and private funerary chapels that mentioned military personnel.
The settlement's strategic location near Lake Mariout provided access to coastal and desert regions. "The vineyards on the margins of Egypt were probably protected by the military and formed part of a pioneering front to occupy this region towards the desert," stated Dhennin.
Meritaten, the daughter of Akhenaten and Nefertiti and possibly the sister or half-sister of Tutankhamun, played a pivotal role during her father's reign. The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.