In a milestone for Egyptian archaeology, the Egyptian archaeological mission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities has uncovered a significant new site of exceptional historical and artistic value. The site, located at the Umm Irak Plateau, was previously unknown and is already being hailed as a "natural open-air museum."
A Qualitative Addition to Egypt’s Heritage
Mr. Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, described the discovery as a vital addition to Egypt's archaeological map. He emphasized that the find reflects the rich cultural and human heritage of the Sinai Peninsula, providing new evidence of the succession of civilizations over thousands of years.
"This discovery strengthens Egypt’s position on the global cultural tourism map and opens new horizons for this important tourism sector," the Minister stated.
The Umm Irak Plateau: A Strategic Landmark
The site was identified through the efforts of the mission with the guidance of Sheikh Rabia Barakat, a local resident of the Sarabit al-Khadim area. Located approximately 5 kilometers northeast of the Temple of Sarabit al-Khadim, the plateau overlooks a vast open space stretching north toward the Tih Plateau. Its strategic location suggests it served as a vital observation point, gathering place, and rest stop throughout various eras.
Key Features of the Site:
Natural Rock Shelter: A sandstone formation extending over 100 meters along the eastern side of the plateau.
Unique Art Styles: The ceiling features rare drawings in red pigment and, for the first time, documented drawings in gray.
Living Quarters: Stone partitions and remnants of hearths (fire layers) indicate the site was used for domestic living and shelter for both humans and livestock.
Timeline of Human Expression
Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, noted that the chronological diversity of the rock art documents the evolution of human artistic expression from prehistory to the Islamic periods.
Preliminary study categorizes the findings into several eras:
The Earliest Phase (10,000 – 5,500 BCE): Red pigment drawings on the shelter ceiling depicting various animals, reflecting the environment of early antiquity.
The Hunting Scenes: Deep engravings showing hunters with bows and arrows chasing ibexes, accompanied by hunting dogs.
The Nabataean & Classical Period: Scenes of camels and horses with riders carrying weaponry, accompanied by Nabataean inscriptions.
The Islamic Era: Early Arabic inscriptions, proving the site remained in use well into the Islamic periods.
Archaeological Artifacts
Beyond the art, the mission unearthed flint tools and pottery fragments. Some shards date back to the Middle Kingdom, while others originate from the Roman Era (specifically the 3rd century CE), confirming the site's continuous human activity for over ten millennia.
Dr. Hisham Hussein, head of the mission, confirmed that scientific analysis of the inscriptions will continue to develop a comprehensive plan for the sustainable protection and documentation of this extraordinary site.
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