Discovery

A new archaeological discovery at Tell el-Faraoun in Sharqia Governorate

A new archaeological discovery at Tell el-Faraoun in Sharqia Governorate

The ruins of city "Emet" were found in Tell el-Faraoun (Tell Nabasha) area in Husseiniya Center in Sharqia Governorate, at conclusion of the current excavation season, which was carried out by British archaeological mission from University of Manchester.

Excavations were concentrated in eastern hill and revealed dense accumulations of mudbrick in specific locations. The actual excavations uncovered residential buildings likely dating back to the early or mid-fourth century BC, including structures believed to be "tower houses," multi-story dwellings designed to accommodate large numbers of people. They are characterized by very thick foundation walls capable of supporting the weight of the building itself. These houses were particularly widespread in Nile Delta from the Late Period through Roman era. The mission also uncovered other buildings used for service purposes, such as grain storage or animal shelters.

In temple area, the mission found a large limestone floor and remains of two massive mudbrick columns, which were likely covered with plaster. It is believed that these remains belong to a building constructed above the processional road that connected the Late Period edifice with Wadjet Temple edifice, indicating that this road was out of service by the middle of Ptolemaic period.

Wadjet Temple was restored during reign of King Ramesses II, and again during the reign of King Ahmose II, and during Achaemenid period it was used as a quarry.

Among the most notable finds discovered are the upper part of finely crafted green faience ushabti statue dating back to Twenty-sixth Dynasty, a stone stela depicting the god Horus standing on two crocodiles holding snakes, topped by an image of the god Bes, and a bronze sistrum decorated with the heads of goddess Hathor dating back to the late Period.