An archaeological mission to North Sinai's Tell el Kedwa (Qedua) discovered on Monday remains of the towers of a fortress dating back to the Saite period, the 26th dynasty (664-525 BC).
"The excavation in Qedua area falls within the framework of the Sinai development project," Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Mostafa Waziri said in statements, according to MENA news agency.
"Throughout this season the expedition discovered the remains of the fortress that include towers of the northeastern and southeastern sides," Head of the Ancient Egyptian Antiquities Sector Ayman Ashmawy noted.
The southern wall of the fort that extends 85 meters to the east was unearthed as well, Ashwamy stated, noting that excavation will continue to uncover the hidden parts of the fort.
The fortress, whose eastern wall had been discovered in 2008, is the most ancient in the world.
"Another fortress had been built on its ruins and was discovered also," Ashmawy added.
According to Hisham Hussein, the director general of North Sinai antiquities department, the entrance of the fortress that represents a side gate located in the north eastern part of the wall was discovered.
"The examination of artifacts and potteries found there prove the fortress dates back to the era of King Psamtik I," Hussein added.
"The fortress was ruined after it came under a massive attack that caused significant damage to its walls," he pointed out.
"El Kedwa fortress posed as Egypt's eastern gate and the sole bulwark that controls the entry to and exit from Egypt during the Saite period," Hussein went on to say.
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