New discoveries in Egypt’s oldest capital

Egypt has remained famous for its glorious ancient history which feeds the epics. New archaeological excavations have uncovered new, precious and unique remains to Heliopolis, considered the oldest capital of the country. It is the culmination of fifteen years of regular research carried out by Egyptian and German archaeologists.

Credit: al-monitor

The ruins of the City of Heliopolis were discovered in the region of Matariyyah, east of Cairo. This City has remained legendary to be the oldest capital in the world and the oldest religious, scientific and philosophical center, before the coalescence of Egypt around 3100 BC. J.-C.

The study of these ruins will reveal unexpected secrets about the City of the Sun. A new part of the history of ancient Egypt is about to be written.

Unprecedented discoveries

The excavations revealed a mass of elements of construction of temple and fragments of statues near the still standing obelisk of Heliopolis. The excavators unearthed parts of the west and north facade of the temple of King Nectanebo I (380-363 BC) located in the center of the Great Temple of Heliopolis.

Archaeologists have also found engraved basalt blocks names of regions of Lower Egypt, including blocks representing the nomes of Heliopolis, in addition to those of other nomes of Lower Egypt.

Fragments of quartzite statues of Ramses II were also unearthed there, in addition to a fragment of an obelisk from the time of King Osorkon I. A shrine dedicated to deities Shu and Tefnut from the time of Psamtik II and several cult artifacts such as an offering table for Pharaoh Thutmose III (1479-1425 BC) are also added.

These findings also provide information on the major upheavals that marked this period.

“This discovery is very important and follows on from recent discoveries in the temples of the sun and the royal support they received. It also gives a clearer picture of the places that were destroyed in later times in Ain Shams (east of Cairo). “

Ayman Ashmawy, Ancient Egyptian Antiquities Sector Chief at the Supreme Council of Antiquities

Archaeologists face the challenges of protecting the city of Heliopolis

If excavations continue, the work of archaeologists may be complicated. Periodic floods of the Nile accumulate silt which precipitates the degradation of the archaeological site.

In addition, the construction of slums in the Delta and Cairo area makes more fragile the site which could collapse with several secrets of antiquity.

Tourists will soon be able to contemplate these treasures in the Matariyyah Museum after the completion of the restoration work.