Evidence of ancient Egyptian temple discovered in Heliopolis

The Egyptian-German mission working in Heliopolis (modern Mataria) successfully discovered new evidences suggest the existence of Nectanebo I of 30th Dynasty in the area of the sun temple.

Dr. Mahmoud Affifi, head of the ancient Egypt department, said "A number of carved stone blocks, sandstone and limestone columns as well as parts of basalt walls bearing inscriptions refer to royal projects in the area dedicated to goddess Hathor."

Dr. Ayman Ashmawy, head of the Egyptian part of the team, said "The eastern gate of the temple was discovered showing many inscriptions and ritual scenes and bronze statues of Bastet as well as large stone blocks maybe referring to a location of a temple dated back to the reign of Ramses II"

Dr. Dietrich Raue, head of the mission said "The mission worked this season in the second area of the southern east side of the temple where workshops dated to the 4th century B.C and later layers of Ptolemaic period which corresponds with the previous discoveries that showed a heavy activities of 30th dynasty kings on this area of the sun temple "Oun" in Heliopolis." 

The mission started unearthing parts of chapel, first lower parts then upper parts, limestone blocks of Nectanebo I, now the discoveries continues of the previously unknown temple in this location. 

#Egypt #Cairo #Heliopolis #Egyptology #Archaeology #AncientEgypt #LuxorTimes

For more information on the history of the mission's work on this site, please visit the links below.

http://luxortimesmagazine.blogspot.com.eg/2015/04/royal-chapel-discovered-in-heliopolis.html?m=1

http://luxortimesmagazine.blogspot.com.eg/2015/10/royal-chapel-discovered-in-old.html?m=1

Royal Chapel discovered in old Heliopolis ... more parts

The German-Egyptian mission working in Matariya, Old Heliopolis, has successfully unearthed more stone blocks of the royal chapel of King Nectanebo I of the 30^th Dynasty.

Last April, the mission discovered the lower part of the royal chapel and this discovery today continues the work on the chapel. (More about the discovery from April, you can visit the link HERE)

At that time Dr. Dietrich Raue, head of the mission, said “It is expected to discover the remains of the chapel during the next excavations seasons. Dr. Raue also pointed out that the temple mud brick wall of 15meters width was discovered and hope to find more elements in the temple area in the future.”

Minister of Antiquities, Dr. Mamdouh El Damaty, said “The mission also successfully uncovered small limestone parts of ancient columns as well as a part of a ceiling shows shapes of stars belong to Nectanebo I temple.”

Dr. Mahmoud Affifi, Head of ancient Egyptian department, said “The team discovered a part of the statue of King Merenptah which was discovered last season beside part of a statue of King Nectanebo I. Also parts of mud brick wall was discovered which represents a part of the old wall used to surround old Heliopolis.”   

Mr. Khalid Abo Elala, director of Matariya antiquities, said “The discovered stone blocks belong to King Nectanebo I and they measure between 75cm to 1.25 meters made of basalt. The blocks show inscriptions with the names of Egyptian nomes at that time as well as bas-relief depicting God Hapi carrying offerings of the Nile. We are looking forward to more discoveries by the mission to reveal more about this era of history.”   

  

#Egypt #Cairo #Archaeology #Egyptology #AncientEgypt #History #Heliopolis  

Photos are courtesy of MOA