Egypt unveils 2 major archaeological discoveries in Sohag

CAIRO, Egypt (MNTV) – Egypt has unveiled two significant archaeological discoveries in Sohag Governorate, highlighting the country’s rich historical legacy and its ongoing contributions to global archaeological research. 

The discoveries include a royal tomb from the Second Intermediate Period and a complete Roman-era pottery workshop, both of which offer new insights into ancient Egyptian and Roman civilizations.  

The first discovery, made by an Egyptian-American archaeological mission from the University of Pennsylvania, is a royal tomb located in the “Jabal Anubis” necropolis in Abydos, reported Egypt Independent daily. 

Dating back to the Second Intermediate Period (1700-1600 BC), the tomb is believed to belong to one of the kings of the “Abydos Dynasty,” a series of rulers who governed Upper Egypt. 

The tomb’s size and design surpass those of previously discovered tombs from this era, providing new evidence of the evolution of royal burial practices during this period.  

The second discovery, made by an Egyptian archaeological mission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities, is a Roman-era pottery workshop in the village of Banawit. 

This workshop, one of the largest of its kind, supplied the ninth region with pottery and glass. 

The site includes a series of kilns, spacious storage areas for vessels, and 32 ostraca (pottery fragments) inscribed with Demotic script and Greek text. 

These inscriptions detail commercial transactions and tax payment methods, offering a glimpse into the economic activities of the time.  

Sharif Fathi, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, emphasized the importance of these discoveries in promoting Egypt’s tourism diversity and showcasing its ancient civilization to the world. 

“These findings not only enhance our understanding of Egypt’s history but also highlight the role of the Supreme Council of Antiquities dedicated to uncovering the secrets of our past,” he said.  

Mohamed Ismail Khaled, secretary-general of the Council, noted that the royal tomb discovery adds valuable information about the kings of the Abydos Dynasty and the complex political history of the Second Intermediate Period. 

Meanwhile, the pottery workshop provides evidence of the region’s industrial and commercial activities during the Roman era.  

Mohamed Abdel Badie, head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, explained that studies on the royal tomb suggest it predates the tomb of King Seneb Kay, discovered in Abydos in 2014. 

While the name of the tomb’s owner remains unidentified, its size and structure indicate its significance in the context of the Abydos Dynasty.  

These discoveries underscore Egypt’s commitment to archaeological exploration and its role as a global hub for uncovering the mysteries of ancient civilizations. 

By bringing these findings to light, Egypt continues to enrich the world’s understanding of its historical and cultural heritage, while also boosting its appeal as a premier destination for tourism and research.