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**Ancient Egyptian Military Fortress Uncovered on Horus Military Road in North Sinai

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**Ancient Egyptian Military Fortress Uncovered on Horus Military Road in North Sinai: A Monumental Archaeological Discovery**

 

A groundbreaking archaeological mission in North Sinai, Egypt, has brought to light a colossal military fortress dating back to the New Kingdom era. This significant find, located at the Tell el-Kharouba archaeological site in the Sheikh Zuweid area, represents one of the largest and most important fortresses ever discovered along the ancient Horus Military Road, a vital artery of communication and defense in antiquity.

A groundbreaking archaeological mission in North Sinai, Egypt, has brought to light a colossal military fortress dating back to the New Kingdom era. This significant find, located at the Tell el-Kharouba archaeological site in the Sheikh Zuweid area, represents one of the largest and most important fortresses ever discovered along the ancient Horus Military Road, a vital artery of communication and defense in antiquity.
**Ancient Egyptian Military Fortress Uncovered on Horus Military Road in North Sinai

**Ancient Egyptian Military Fortress Uncovered on Horus Military Road in North Sinai

  •  The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced this monumental
  •  discovery on Saturday, highlighting its crucial role in reconstructing the
  •  historical landscape of Egypt's eastern borders.

**Unveiling a Strategic Bastion Near the Mediterranean Coast**

 

The newly discovered fortress is strategically positioned near the Mediterranean Sea coast, underscoring its historical importance as a defensive stronghold.

  •  Dr. Mostafa Waziri, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of
  •  Antiquities, emphasized that "the discovery of this massive fortress marks a
  •  significant step in reconstructing the complete picture of the network of
  •  Egyptian fortifications on the eastern borders during the New Kingdom."
  •  This revelation sheds new light on the intricate military architecture and
  •  strategic planning employed by ancient Egyptian pharaohs to protect their
  •  realm.

 

Initial excavation efforts have revealed substantial portions of the fortress's southern wall, extending approximately 105 meters in length and measuring 2.5 meters in width. This impressive structure features a secondary entrance, 2.2 meters wide, integrated into its design.

 To date, archaeologists have unearthed 11 defensive towers, offering a glimpse into the formidable protective capabilities of this ancient bastion. Furthermore, the northwestern tower and sections of both the northern and western walls have been exposed, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the fortress's original layout and scale.

 

**The Horus Military Road: A Lifeline of Ancient Egyptian Defense**

 

The Horus Military Road in North Sinai stands as one of the oldest known military routes in the world. This ancient highway was a testament to the military prowess of the New Kingdom pharaohs, who established a series of military fortresses along its stretch.

  1.  These fortifications served a dual purpose: to safeguard Egypt's eastern
  2.  frontiers and to secure crucial strategic routes that facilitated trade,
  3.  communication, and military movements across the region. The discovery at
  4.  Tell el-Kharouba adds a critical piece to the puzzle of understanding this
  5.  elaborate defensive network.

 

Preliminary studies indicate that the fortress underwent multiple phases of renovation and modification throughout its long history, reflecting its continuous use and adaptation to changing strategic needs.

 These modifications include alterations to the design of the southern entrance on several occasions, suggesting a dynamic history of occupation and reinforcement. Hisham Hussein, Head of the Central Administration of Lower Egypt Antiquities, expressed optimism that ongoing excavation efforts will uncover the remaining walls and structures associated with the fortress.

 

**An Expansive Complex with Potential Maritime Links**

 

The sheer scale of the fortress is remarkable, encompassing an area of approximately 8,000 square meters. To put this into perspective, this newly discovered fortress is three times the size of another fortress previously unearthed at the same site in the 1980s, which lies about 700 meters southwest of the current discovery. This suggests a significant and highly organized military presence in the region during the New Kingdom.

 

  1. Adding to the intrigue, archaeologists anticipate the discovery of a military
  2.  port that would have served the fortress. Given its proximity to the
  3.  Mediterranean coast,

 such a port would have been indispensable for logistical support, naval operations, and maintaining control over maritime trade routes. The potential uncovering of a military harbor would further underscore the strategic importance of Tell el-Kharouba as a crucial nexus of land and sea power in ancient Egypt.

 


The ongoing work at Tell el-Kharouba promises to yield even more insights into the military and logistical capabilities of the New Kingdom. This discovery not only enriches our understanding of ancient Egyptian history but also highlights the enduring legacy of human ingenuity in defense and strategic planning.

**Ancient Egyptian Military Fortress Uncovered on Horus Military Road in North Sinai


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Tamer Nabil Moussa

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