Egyptian archaeologists have discovered the remains of a 4,500-year-old valley temple. According to a translated statement from the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the structure is part of a solar temple built by ancient Egyptians in honor of the sun god Ra.
The temple is located in Abu Ghrab, about 16 km (10 miles) southwest of Cairo. The Sun Temple consists of two parts: the upper temple, which archaeologists excavated several years ago, and the newly excavated valley temple, which the team began work on in 2024. The Valley Temple is located near the Nile River, and the two parts of the temple are connected by a causeway.
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Recent excavations have led to several discoveries, including the remains of a columned portico, a public calendar of religious events inscribed on the blocks, and dozens of decorated blocks with inscriptions referring to the ruler Pharaoh Niuser (ruled from c. 2420 BC to c. 2389 BC), who ordered the temple’s construction.
The upper temple was the main place of worship, but the valley temple made it easier for people to get to. Nuzzolo told Live Science in an email that the temple in the valley was “used as a landing stage for boats approaching from the Nile or perhaps from one of the side channels.” “The most convenient way to get to the upper temple was to enter the valley temple and climb through the slope to the hill where the upper temple is located.” [the causeway]. ”
public calendar
Valley temples had a calendar of religious events carved into decorated blocks. Borchardt discovered part of the calendar in 1901, and more of it was discovered by modern archaeological teams. Events mentioned include the festival of Socal, the falcon-headed god associated with the Egyptian city of Memphis, the capital of the Old Kingdom. This block also mentions the festival of Min and the procession of Ra, a god associated with fertility.
“But what’s really important here is the location of these blocks,” Nuzzolo said. “They were all found in the entrance portico area, which seems to indicate that this long calendar of holidays, probably one of the first festivals, was carved on the outside of the temple facade.” [examples] Some of the “public calendars” known so far. ”
stars and games
The research team also discovered stairs leading up to the roof of the valley temple, the ministry said in a statement. It is believed that ancient Egyptians climbed onto the roofs to observe the sky.
“The roof of the valley temple was probably used for astronomical observation, but not for celebrating festivals,” Nuzzolo said.
Researchers found that after about a century of use, the valley temple was transformed into a residential area. They discovered two wooden pieces dating back to the time, used to play a board game known as “Seneto”. Many Senet pieces have been found elsewhere in Egypt, including the tomb of King Tutankhamun, but the exact rules of the game are unknown.
“The sanctuary thus became a residence and one of the favorites of the locals.” [games] He was probably playing Senet,” Nuzzolo said.
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