Discovery of the Remains of the Temple of God "Pelousios" at Tell El-Farma in Sinai

After six years of extensive archaeological excavations at Tell El-Farma in the ancient city of Pelusium, the Egyptian archaeological mission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities has unearthed the remains of a unique religious edifice dedicated to the city’s local deity, "Pelousios."

Mr. Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, expressed his pride in this discovery, stating it underscores the strategic and archaeological importance of North Sinai. He noted that the region remains a treasure trove of secrets and emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to ongoing excavations and scientific studies to enrich human knowledge and academic research.

Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, described the discovery as "significant," highlighting the pivotal role Pelusium played in the exchange of religious and cultural ideas across the ancient world.

"The temple’s remains reveal a unique architectural design that blends ancient Egyptian traditions with Hellenistic and Roman styles—an exceptional embodiment of the civilizational interaction between Egypt and the ancient world," El-Leithy added.

Mr. Mohamed Abdel-Badea, Head of the Central Department of Egyptian Antiquities, detailed the temple's structure. The centerpiece is a massive circular basin, 35 meters in diameter, which was connected to the Pelusiac branch of the Nile. It was designed to be filled with water carrying Nile silt, symbolizing the connection to the god Pelousios—whose name is derived from the Greek word "Pelos,"meaning "mud" or "clay."

Key architectural features include:

Integrated Drainage System: A network of channels surrounding the basin to manage water flow.

Central Pedestal:

 A square base in the center of the basin, believed to have supported a colossal statue of the deity.

Chronological Continuity: Archaeological layers indicate the facility was in use from the 2nd Century BC until the 6th Century AD**, with minor architectural modifications over the centuries.

From "Senate House" to Sacred Temple

Dr. Hisham Hussein, Head of the Central Administration of Antiquities for Lower Egypt and Sinai, explained that the initial discovery dates back to 2019. At the time, only 25% of a red-brick circular structure had been found, leading researchers to believe it was the city's Senate building.

However, subsequent excavation seasons revealed a massive and complex complex with multiple entrances from the east, south, and west. Deep field studies and scientific comparisons with Hellenistic and Roman architectural models outside Egypt—alongside consultations with experts like Jean-Yves Carrez-Maratray, Professor of Classical Archaeology at the Sorbonne University—led to a reinterpretation.

The consensus confirms that the structure was not a civic building but a sacred aquatic facility dedicated to religious rituals, marking a major addition to Egypt's Greco-Roman heritage.