Preliminary studies indicate that the structure may have been one of the four sun temples of this pharaonic dynasty. Photo: The Latin Press
An archaeological expedition has uncovered a mud-brick building to the south of this capital that could be one of the four sun temples of the Fifth Dynasty in ancient Egypt (2494-2345 BC), an official source said.
Mustafa Waziri, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained in a statement that the discovery was made by Italian and Polish archaeologists working in the temple of the pharaoh Nei Usir Ra north of Abu Sir near the Saqqara necropolis.
Al-Waziri indicated that preliminary studies indicate that the structure may be one of the four temples of the sun for this pharaonic dynasty that are known through historical sources and have not been discovered so far, and stressed that excavations will be completed at the site to obtain more. Evidence.
The building is entered through a limestone doorway that leads to the area between the vaults (to the north) and the great courtyard (to the west), where there is a mud-paved floor containing huge quartz blocks, some containing a weighted face embedded under the floor of the temple, the expert explained. .
Ayman Ashmawy, head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the council, said that the remains of the building indicate that it was built with mud bricks, noting that ceramic vessels were discovered, which may have been used in the rituals of establishing the temple.
Similarly, Mohamed Youssef, Director of the Saqqara Antiquities District, indicated that the foundation deposits were found at the level of the adobe wall, and consisted of beer cups and crockery, some with a red edge.
Fragments of clay seals bear royal names, including those of the Fifth Dynasty pharaoh Chipscari, about which little is known, said Rosanna Birelli, head of the mission at the University of Naples.
The specialist added that the new discoveries could change our knowledge about the history of this ruler in particular, and the history of the Fifth Dynasty in general.
For his part, Massimiliano Nozolo, head of the Polish Academy of Sciences mission in Warsaw, confirmed that the team intends to finish its work soon, with the aim of revealing the ancient temple and the secrets it holds.
(with information from Prensa Latina)
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