Researchers have discovered the first known astronomical observatory in Egypt. The experts were initially unable to assess the significance of the discovery.
Tell Al-Faraeen – Ancient burial sites or secret chambers in pyramids: It is not uncommon for researchers to make spectacular discoveries in Egypt. But the latest one is particularly special. According to the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, archaeologists have discovered the first known astronomical observatory in ancient Egypt.
In the ancient city of Buto, now known as Tell Al-Faraeen, in the Kafr El-Sheikh governorate, they found the remains of a complex dating back to the 6th century BC. Experts who have classified the find are amazed.
“Imagined earth and sky as two mats”: Observatory of ancient Egypt discovered
“Everything we found shattered our expectations,” said Hossam Ghonim in a statement from the ministry. Ghonim is the head of the excavation. The archaeological work began three years ago. The result is the discovery of an L-shaped mud brick building with an area of over 850 square meters.
How Live science reportedthe building had a traditional gateway called a pylon. Floor markings were also discovered that indicated positions for observing the sun and stars. The suspicion that the find was an observatory in its entirety was reinforced by other artifacts discovered, such as a large sundial and an ancient Egyptian timekeeping device called a “merkhet.” According to the report, the archaeologists’ discovery also included a gray granite statue of King Psamtik I and a bronze figure – underlining the religious significance of the observatory.
Specifically, the researchers also found an inscribed stone in the hall that depicted astronomical views of sunrises and sunsets in three seasons. “The ancient Egyptians imagined earth and sky as two mats,” explains Ghonim. This find, as well as other inscriptions, would prove the Egyptians’ deep understanding of seasonal changes and fluctuations in the length of the day.
This discovery shows how deeply the astronomical knowledge and spiritual practices of the ancient Egyptians were connected.
Sensational find in Egypt: The significance of the discovery only became clear during the excavations
According to the ministry, the find was the “first and largest” observatory in ancient Egypt. However, this was not immediately apparent. The archaeological team initially assumed that they had discovered an ancient temple. It was only during the course of their excavations and the associated discovery of various artifacts and engraved symbols that they became aware of the significance of their discovery. Most recently, researchers came across a find of the century during excavations in Austria.
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