Ptolemaic Artifacts Discovered in Ancient Egyptian Temple

The Egypt-Dominican archaeological mission made a significant discovery at the ancient Taposiris Magna temple complex, located to the west of Alexandria.

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9 Dec, 2024

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Egypt-Dominican Archaeological Mission Makes Significant Discovery at Taposiris Magna Temple Complex

The Egypt-Dominican archaeological mission has made a significant discovery at the ancient Taposiris Magna temple complex, located to the west of Alexandria. The findings, announced on Sunday by Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, offer new insights into the late Ptolemaic period.

Among the unearthed artifacts are statues, coins, pottery, and bronze figurines that shed light on the historical importance of the temple. Led by renowned archaeologist Kathleen Martinez, the mission uncovered foundational deposits beneath the southern wall of the temple’s outer enclosure, providing further clues about the site’s past.

One of the most striking discoveries is a small white marble statue of a woman wearing a royal crown, thought by some to represent Queen Cleopatra VII; however, the different facial features have led other experts to suggest it may depict a princess. Additionally, a limestone bust of a king wearing the “nemes” headdress was also uncovered.

The mission also discovered 337 coins, most of which resemble Cleopatra VII, various pottery fragments, oil lamps, limestone storage vessels, and an amulet inscribed with the phrase “Ra’s justice shines.” A bronze ring dedicated to the goddess Hathor was also found.

Pottery fragments from the late Ptolemaic period indicate that the temple’s walls were constructed in the 1st century BCE. The team also uncovered the remains of a Greek temple dating from the 4th century BCE, which was destroyed between the 2nd century BCE and the early CE period. This temple is located near a complex tunnel system that connects Lake Mariut in Alexandria to the Mediterranean Sea.

In addition to the temple, a large necropolis containing 20 burial chambers was discovered, including one under the ancient Taposiris Magna lighthouse. One of the chambers contained nine white marble busts, further enriching the cultural and historical narrative of the site.

Underwater excavations around the temple ruins also revealed human skeletal remains and numerous pottery fragments, helping to deepen understanding of the site’s historical significance.

This discovery further solidifies Taposiris Magna’s importance as a major archaeological site, shedding new light on Egypt’s cultural and historical heritage from the Ptolemaic period.