Excavations at the Tell Abu Seifi site in North Sinai uncovered extensive remains of ancient military fortifications, soldiers' quarters, and a trench.
The mission revealed more than 500 clay planting circles made of mudbrick on both sides of an ancient road. These circles are believed to have been used to cultivate trees that adorned the fortress's grand entrance during the Ptolemaic era, enhancing understanding of aesthetic and functional elements of military architecture in that period.
Well-preserved Roman-era soldiers' dwellings were also unearthed, offering a clear picture of daily life at the fortress during the reigns of Emperors Diocletian and Maximian. These structures provide valuable information on the living conditions and organization of Roman soldiers in Egypt's eastern frontier.
"Sinai has always been Egypt's eastern gateway and first line of defence," said Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, noting that the discoveries contribute to creating a more accurate picture of Egypt's ancient eastern defense map, according to Daily News Egypt.
A massive defensive trench over two meters deep was discovered at the entrance of the Ptolemaic fortress. Researchers believe this trench was part of an integrated defense system that could be activated in the event of a threat. This architectural feature helps historians visualize ancient military entryways more accurately.
"This road extends from outside the eastern gate of the Roman fortress and reaches the heart of the site," said Mohamed Abdel Badi, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, according to Sky News Arabia. He indicated that the mission discovered a road 11 meters wide and over 100 meters long, paved with limestone slabs. Beneath this limestone road lies an older Ptolemaic-era road made from similar materials, suggesting continuity in site planning over centuries.
The site also revealed four large kilns used for producing quicklime, indicating that it transformed into an industrial center by the end of the Roman era. This transformation led to the destruction of all earlier stone structures. The presence of these kilns points to a shift in the site's function from a military installation to an industrial hub.
"We have uncovered the four corners of an older fortress, and efforts are currently underway to determine its date," said Dr. Hisham Hussein, Head of the archaeological mission and Director-General of the General Administration of Sinai Antiquities, according to Asharq Al-Awsat. He noted that the discovery may be evidence of a third, previously unknown fortress predating both the Ptolemaic and Roman fortresses.
Several rectangular buildings closely packed in overlapping layers were found at the site. These buildings were used for long periods as living quarters during the Ptolemaic era, providing further evidence of the site's longstanding military significance.
The discoveries underline the significance of Tell Abu Seifi as a prominent military and industrial hub throughout the ages. With the change in the course of the Nile River and the retreat of the coast, the importance shifted from the site of Tell Habwa—the ancient city of Tharu—to Tell Abu Seifi. These changes led to the decline of nearby Tell Habuwa, emphasizing the evolving strategic importance of locations within the region.
"It sheds light on the secrets of Eastern Egypt's military fortifications," said Sherif Fathy, Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, according to Daily News Egypt.
The archaeological mission uncovered two specially designed eastern gates for the fortresses from the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. This contributes to the understanding of the shapes of ancient defensive gates and helps reconstruct the defensive entrance structures of that era.
"Cities of Sinai were fortified throughout different historical eras," said Dr. Mohamed Abdel Maqsoud, enhancing understanding of life and defense strategies in the Sinai Peninsula. "All the kings of Egypt were keen to build or restore the existing fortresses in Sinai, considering it Egypt's eastern gateway," he stated, according to Asharq Al-Awsat.
The Ptolemaic period in Egypt spanned from 332 BCE to 30 BCE, while the Roman era lasted until 395 CE. The discoveries at Tell Abu Seifi provide a tangible connection to these periods of Egyptian history.
"Sinai was the first line of defense for Egypt," noted Abdel Maqsoud. The Egyptian archaeological mission expects to find more archaeological fortresses and fortifications. These ongoing excavations continue to unveil the rich military and industrial heritage of the region, offering new perspectives on Egypt's ancient history and its strategic defense mechanisms.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.