The Egyptian archaeological team working at the Tel Al-Faraeen Temple in Kafr El Sheikh has uncovered the first and largest astronomical observatory structure dating back to the sixth century BC.
Constructed from mud bricks, this observatory was utilized for monitoring and documenting astronomical phenomena, including the movements of the sun and stars, within the temple situated in the city.
This finding aligns with the directives of Sherif Fathy, the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, who emphasizes the importance of supporting Egyptian archaeological missions to reveal further insights into the ancient Egyptian civilization.
Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, commended the dedication and achievements of the Egyptian archaeological team in revealing this significant archaeological site. This discovery highlights the remarkable expertise and capabilities of the ancient Egyptians in the field of astronomy, including their methods for determining the solar calendar and scheduling religious and official events, such as royal coronations and agricultural cycles. It also provides valuable insights into the astronomical techniques employed by the ancient Egyptians, despite the rudimentary nature of their tools, thereby enhancing our comprehension of scientific and astronomical advancements in antiquity.
During the excavation within the observatory, the team unearthed a sloping stone sundial, referred to as the sloping shadow clock, which is recognized as one of the most notable timekeeping instruments from ancient times.
The structure of the clock comprises a straight alignment of limestone slabs measuring 4.80 meters in length, topped with five flat limestone blocks. Among these, three are positioned vertically while two are horizontal. It is believed that these blocks featured inclined lines designed to measure the angles of the sun and shadow, facilitating the observation of solar movement throughout the day.
On his part, Dr. Ayman Ashmawy, the Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, characterized the recently uncovered astronomical observatory as the largest of its kind identified since the sixth century BC, encompassing an area of approximately 850 square meters.
This significant structure was located in the southwestern corner of the temple precinct. Its architectural layout features an entrance oriented towards the east, aligning with the sunrise, and a central hall with columns arranged in an L-shape, which is preceded by a substantial wall made of mud bricks that slopes inward, reminiscent of the architectural style found at temple entrances in ancient Egypt. Additionally, a stone block was discovered embedded in the floor of a circular chamber, with two other circular stone blocks situated to the north and west, presumably used for measuring solar angles.
Dr. Ashmawy further noted that the excavation team uncovered five mud brick rooms, likely utilized for storing various tools associated with the observatory, along with four smaller mud brick chambers and a compact stone room that served as the observatory tower. A relatively large hall was also found, featuring three walls adorned with yellow mortar and decorated with scenes, including remnants of a blue depiction of a ritual boat with eight compartments, along with the remains of two oars. The front of the boat displayed an image of the falcon-headed deity Horus and the Eye of Ujat, symbols that represent cosmic order and are associated with the sun, moon, Horus, and the goddess Wadjet, who are among the principal deities of Buto.
In turn, Professor Kotb Fawzy Kotb, Head the Central Administration of Antiquities of Lower Egypt and Sinai, elaborated that a stone platform was discovered at the center of the hall's floor, inscribed with depictions of astronomical phenomena, primarily illustrating the sunrise and sunset across the three seasons of the year.
Dr. Hossam Ghoneim, the Director General of the Kafr El-Sheikh Antiquities Area and Head of the Mission, revealed the discovery of a gray granite statue dating back to the era of "Wah-Ib-Ra" from the Twenty-Sixth Dynasty, located within the observatory building.
This statue represents the priest Psamtik-Semn and features an image of the god Osiris, along with the inscription of the title Royal Seal Bearer. Additionally, a Merkhet tool, utilized for measurement purposes, was uncovered, alongside various measuring instruments such as a foot and finger gauge. The findings also include a bronze statue of Osiris and Nemes, a terracotta representation of the god Bes, a faience necklace known as Menet, and remnants of stone panels inscribed with text.
Furthermore, offering tables and mortar covers for amphorae, which contain traces of seals from the Saite period, were discovered.
Among the artifacts is a blue faience statue of the god Ptah, along with several religious symbols crafted from faience, depicting composite forms of the Djed, Was, and the composite crown. The excavation also yielded a variety of pottery artifacts, reflecting their use in both religious ceremonies and everyday life.
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