Archaeologists have made an exciting discovery in the northern Sinai Peninsula by uncovering a third major ancient fort at the Tell Abu Seifi site. This fort played a crucial role in protecting Egypt’s eastern border and featured limestone-paved roads and a moat. The military significance of the Athar region in North Sinai may have existed even before the previously known Ptolemaic-era and Roman-era fortresses at the Tel Abu Seifi archaeological site. This discovery sheds light on the history of Egypt’s defenses and the strategic importance of the location over the centuries.
The Egyptian Archaeological Mission of the Supreme Council of Antiquities found new clues about daily life during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods, as well as the remains of a third military fortification. The presence of a moat led to the discovery of four pillars of a fort, which are believed to be older than the two known forts on the site. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sharif Fathi, highlighted the significance of this find in understanding the eastern military fortresses of Egypt and their evolution over time.
In addition to the fort, the mission uncovered housing units, the eastern gates of the known forts, a limestone road, and traces of industry. The interconnected rectangular buildings near the third fort are thought to have served as living quarters for soldiers. The discovery of the distinctive design of the eastern gates provides insight into the fort’s defensive layout. The team also found a deep moat at the entrance of one fort and a wide road leading from the eastern gate of the Roman-era fort to the residential area.
The road, paved with limestone tiles, was lined with over 500 clay planting circles, possibly for trees. This find offers a glimpse into daily life at the site, particularly during the third century A.D. when soldiers resided there. The transition of the fort from a military stronghold to a more industrial site towards the end of Roman rule showcases the evolution of the area over time.
The find of four sizable kilns utilized in the production of quicklime marked a transition from a military-focused approach to one centered around industry. This shift also aligned with the dismantling of previous stone constructions at the location.
