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The remains of the observatory in the ancient Egyptian city of Kafr El-Sheikh
Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities via Facebook
Archaeologists in Egypt have just discovered a truly stunning find: a sixth-century BC astronomical observatory in the ancient city Kafr El-Sheikh. The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities posted the news in an Arabic Facebook statement last week. The observatory, made of mud bricks, is the largest and oldest of its kind in the region, covering almost 10,000 square meters.
There is evidence that the ancient Egyptians studied the movement of the stars and the sun, which influenced important religious and agricultural events. The new research provides insight into these practices.
Mohamed Ismail KhaledSecretary General of Egypt Supreme Council for Antiquitiespraised the discovery as an important milestone that “affirms the ingenuity and skill of the ancient Egyptians in astronomy since ancient times” in the statement, according to Google Translate.
Archaeologists discovered several ancient artifacts in the observatory. Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities via Facebook/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer_public/b3/b8/b3b80d04-137f-43ef-8e72-f8cf7613c608/456478413_894898059338408_2914742567512670277_n.jpg)
The entrance hall of the observatory faces east, towards the sunrise. According to experts, the ‘L’-shaped design, decorated with columns, resembles that of Egyptian temples – meaning the building was not strictly scientific, but was also used for religious and ceremonial matters.
In support of this claim, a wealth of religious objects were found in the observatory, including statues, pottery, offering tables, jewelry, measuring instruments, and various other objects. The building also contains a large slanted sundial, an important time-measuring instrument for ancient cultures, made of limestone blocks over 4.5 meters long.
“The Egyptians were among the most accomplished astronomers in ancient history, and their legacy continues to this day,” he explains Science alertby Michelle Starr. “It was in ancient Egypt that the 365-day calendar was born, and the 24-hour day. They completely mapped the night sky and had their own constellations and zodiac, some of which are still recognized today. “
Engravings and statues discovered in the observatory Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities via Facebook/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer_public/98/59/9859f20d-cc4e-461c-8f76-ec0ee351f05b/456590553_894898266005054_7115820637992015400_n.jpg)
The hall also contains a stone platform with carvings depicting astronomical events such as sunrises and sunsets during the Egyptians’ three seasons, the statement said. One drawing shows a ritual boat with images of the falcon-headed god Horus and the Eye of Wadjet. The decorative stone details the way Egyptians thought about time and how they understood the sky and the heavens.
According to Artnet news, “The study of celestial bodies ran throughout ancient Egyptian culture,” and “religious events were recorded by the movements of the sun and moon.” This blending of mythology and astronomy is clearly visible in the new discovery. For example, a statue of Osiris, the god of the afterlife associated with the constellation Orion, was found in the observatory.
The newly discovered observatory aligns with the ministry’s mission to discover more about the daily life and beliefs of this historic culture. Further research will undoubtedly continue to illuminate the complex relationship between science and religion in ancient Egypt.
