Archaeologists recently discovered an impressive Egyptian temple dedicated to a fertility god that is more than 2,000 years old.
Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities issued a statement about the discovery on Saturday. The excavations were led by the joint Egyptian-German archaeological committee.
Historians believe the temple dates back to the reign of King Ptolemy VIII, who may have also founded the temple. Ptolemy VIII was an Egyptian king of the Ptolemaic Dynasty. and died in 116 BC.
This building, which archaeologists call the Great Temple of Athribis, was discovered in the city of Sohag. Athribis was a cult center dedicated to Min, the god of fertility.
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The Great Temple of Athribis had a large colonnade composed of two towers. (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities via Facebook)
The Ptolemaic dynasty consisted of Macedonian Greek rulers who controlled Egypt for nearly 300 years, starting in 305 BC and ending in 30 BC. The fall of Egypt marks the end of Hellenistic Egypt before the Romans ascended the throne.
in a Facebook post translated into English from Arabic. The ministry said the temple pillars or temple gates are 167 feet wide. Each tower is 78 feet wide.
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The press release added that Dr. Mohammed Ismail Khaled, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), said the original tall pillar was approximately 59 feet tall.
The Great Temple of Athribis was probably founded by Ptolemy VIII, the Greek king of Egypt. (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities via Facebook)
In addition, hieroglyphics were found on the outer arch of the pillar. Excavators also discovered some of the temple’s interior walls and carved images of Min and one of his wives, the lion goddess Repyt.
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Archaeologists have also discovered a southern chamber decorated with hieroglyphics and views of Min and Repit. along with a painting of the god of the sky “To measure hours during the night,” the press release said.
A group of archaeologists also discovered an attic with four stairs. Probably destroyed in the 700s, the attic is accessible through a small entrance to the building.
The temple is dedicated to the Egyptian fertility god Min. (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities via Facebook)
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“It is worth noting that the joint Egyptian-German mission has been working in the Atribus region for more than ten years. As a result, all parts of the Great Temple of Atribus will be revealed,” the Egyptian ministry announcement concluded.
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