Statue of Sphinx, Remains of Compartment from Roman Era Discovered in Qena

The Egyptian archaeological mission from Ain Shams University, headed by Prof. Mamdouh El-Damaty, former Minister of Antiquities and Professor of Archeology at Ain Shams University, succeeded in discovering the remains of a limestone compartment dating back to the Roman era.

This discovery was achieved during archaeological excavations in the area east of the Dendera Temple in Qena Governorate.

That temple was

conscripted to the god Horus and it was built in the Roman era.

This was stated by Dr. Mustafa Waziri, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities.

Dr. Mamdouh El-Damaty explained that the remains of the compartment include e a platform consisting of two levels with a foundation and sloping floors, inside which a water-storage basin made of red bricks covered with mortar with stairs was found, and can be dated to the Byzantine era.

Dr. El-Damaty added that during the cleaning work of the basin, a limestone statue was found in the form of a sphinx representing one of the Roman emperors, wearing the headdress known as the Nemes, with a bridge above his forehead.

He indicated that the initial examination of the face of the statue indicates that it is likely to be of the Roman Emperor Claudius.

Dr. Mamdouh El-Damati described the statue as wonderfully beautiful, as its face is distinguished by royal features depicted accurately, and a slight smile appears on its lips, which have two dimples on both ends, and the remains of yellow and red appear on its face.

A painting from the Roman era written in hieroglyphic and demotic signs was also found below the statue.

Dr. El-Damaty confirmed that the mission will continue the excavation work in the area of the Horus Temple, east of the Dendera Temple, and in front of the Isis Gate, to uncover the road linking them.

It is worth noting that the mission had begun excavation work in the middle of last February, as it carried out a radar survey of the Osirian halls in the Dendera Temple, and a magnetic and radio survey in the area east of the wall surrounding the temple in front of the Isis Gate, with the participation of a team from the National Institute for Astronomical and Geophysical Research.