Significant Discovery: New Ptolemaic Temple Unearthed Near Atribis In Sohag, Egypt

A collaborative archaeological team from Egypt and Germany has discovered a Ptolemaic temple near Sohag's Great Temple of Atribis. This find, led by the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) and the University of Tübingen, adds to Sohag's archaeological wealth, according to Ahram Online. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, SCA Secretary-General, described it as a significant breakthrough in revealing an unknown temple in Atribis.

The newly found temple features a pylon façade measuring 51 metres, with two towers each 24 metres wide surrounding a central gate. Studies indicate that the original height of the pylon was 18 metres, comparable to Luxor Temple's pylon dimensions. Hieroglyphic inscriptions and carvings on the pylon depict a Ptolemaic king receiving offerings from Repit, the lion-headed goddess, and her child deity Kolanthes.

Cartouches at the site suggest that the temple dates back to King Ptolemy VIII's reign. Some inscriptions may also reference Queen Cleopatra III, his wife. Christian Leitz, co-leader of the German mission, highlighted the excavation of a southern chamber partially uncovered by British archaeologist Flinders Petrie in the early 20th century. This chamber includes depictions of celestial deities used for measuring nighttime hours and carvings of Repit and Min, the fertility god.

Another room with a staircase was discovered during the excavation. Markus Müller, site director for the German team, explained that this staircase once led to an upper floor destroyed around 752 CE. The excavation team has been working in Atribis for three decades, previously mapping out the great temple and recovering over 30,000 ostraca written in Demotic, Coptic, and Hieratic scripts.

The archaeological mission plans to continue excavations to uncover more features of this temple. Their efforts aim to further enrich Egypt's remarkable archaeological record. The discovery not only highlights ancient architectural achievements but also provides insights into religious practices during the Ptolemaic period.

The ongoing work at Atribis reflects a long-term commitment to exploring Egypt's past. By piecing together historical fragments like these temples and inscriptions, archaeologists hope to gain a deeper understanding of ancient Egyptian civilisation.

With inputs from WAM