In a groundbreaking discovery led by the Supreme Council of Antiquities in Egypt, an archaeological team has unearthed ancient military barracks and storerooms stocked with weapons, food, and other provisions dating back to the New Kingdom period.
The mission, headed by Ahmed Said Al-Kharadli, revealed numerous personal artefacts and tools used by soldiers, highlighting their daily life and military proficiency.
Mohamed Ismail Khaled, the Secretary-General of the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities, emphasized the historical and archaeological significance of this find in a statement issued on Thursday.
He pointed out that the discovery at Al-Abqain Fortress—one of the ancient Egyptian army’s strategic military positions along the Western military route—underscores the fort’s role in protecting Egypt’s northwestern borders.
The architectural units discovered were methodically planned and divided into two symmetrically designed groups separated by a narrow passage.
This layout demonstrates the ancient Egyptian engineers’ ingenuity in utilizing and adapting environmental elements for various purposes.
Ayman Ashmawy, head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, noted that preliminary studies of the findings confirm the use of some units as storerooms to daily supply soldiers with food and provisions.
Among the findings were large individual silos containing remains of large pottery vessels used for storing bones of fish and animals, along with broken pieces.
Additionally, cylindrical pottery ovens found on site were likely used for cooking.
Moreover, the team discovered a long bronze sword adorned with carvings of King Ramses II’s cartouche, along with other archaeological finds that shed light on the daily activities and ideological and military thoughts of the fort’s inhabitants.
These include hunting weapons, personal grooming tools like ivory eyeliners, red agate beads, and protective amulets.
One of the most notable discoveries at the fort was the burial of a cow, symbolizing strength, abundance, and prosperity, revered as a celestial deity. Also found were two limestone blocks, one inscribed with hieroglyphics bearing titles of King Ramses II, and the other belonging to an official named Bay.
Additional finds included a carnelian scarab inscribed with “Amun – Lord of the Sky,” surmounted by a lotus flower, and a scarab base depicting the deity Ptah, alongside a bronze ring half with an engraving of the deity Amun Hor Akhty and two necklaces made of carnelian and agate.
