An Egyptian archaeological mission, led by Dr. Ahmed Said El-Kharadly from the Supreme Council of Antiquities, has uncovered a series of mudbrick architectural units, including military barracks for soldiers and storage rooms for weapons, food, and provisions from the New Kingdom era. These discoveries were made during ongoing excavations at the Tell Al-Abqain site in the Hosh Issa district of Beheira Governorate, on the Nile’s Western Delta.

In addition to the barracks, numerous artifacts and personal items belonging to soldiers were unearthed.

Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, highlighted the significance of this discovery, as it confirms the historical and archaeological importance of the Abqain Fort. This fort served as one of the ancient Egyptian army’s key military outposts along the western military road, protecting Egypt’s northwestern borders from invasions by Libyan tribes and Sea Peoples. He noted that the architectural units are meticulously designed, divided into two identical groups separated by a narrow passage. This regular layout demonstrates the ingenuity of the ancient Egyptian engineers in adapting their surroundings to serve a variety of practical purposes.

Dr. Ayman Ashmawy, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained that preliminary studies of the discovered artifacts suggest that some of the architectural units were used as storerooms to provide daily provisions for the soldiers. Inside these storerooms, large individual granaries were found, along with substantial pottery storage vessels that contained remains of fish bones, animal bones, and fragments of broken pottery. Cylindrical pottery ovens used for cooking were also discovered at the site.

Among the finds, the mission uncovered a long bronze sword decorated with the cartouche of King Ramses II. Several other artifacts provide insight into the daily lives, religious beliefs, and military activities of the fort’s occupants. These include weapons used in battle, hunting tools, personal adornments, and hygiene items, such as ivory kohl applicators, carnelian and faience beads, scarabs, and protective amulets.

One of the most notable discoveries is the burial of a cow, symbolizing strength, abundance, and prosperity, as cows were revered as celestial deities. Additionally, two limestone blocks were found, one inscribed with hieroglyphs detailing the titles of King Ramses II, and the other belonging to an official named “Bay.” Other finds include a faience scarab engraved with “Amun – Lord of the Sky” topped by a lotus flower, another scarab bearing an image of god Ptah, half of a bronze ring inscribed with “Amun Horakhty,” and two necklaces made of faience and carnelian shaped like pomegranate blossoms.

MoTA Egypt