Ancient New Kingdom Fortress Unearthed in Egypt’s North Sinai!
Archaeologists in Egypt have revealed an extraordinary discovery, a vast New Kingdom fortress at Tell El-Kharouba, located in North Sinai near Sheikh Zuweid and close to the Gaza border. The site lies along the ancient “Way of Horus”, a vital military and trade corridor that once linked Egypt with Syria, Anatolia, and Mesopotamia.
According to Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the fortress dates back to the New Kingdom period (around 1550–1070 BCE). It is thought to be one of the largest defensive structures ever discovered on Egypt’s eastern frontier. This stronghold was part of a chain of forts built to secure Egypt’s borders and protect the trade and military routes connecting the Nile Valley to the Levant.
Photo Credit: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Covering roughly 8,000 square metres, the newly unearthed fortress is three times larger than a smaller fort found at the same site back in the 1980s. Excavations have so far revealed a southern wall stretching around 105 metres long and 2.5 metres thick, defended by eleven towers and a gateway approximately 2.2 metres wide. Parts of the north-western and western walls, long buried beneath drifting sands, have also come to light.
Within the fort, archaeologists uncovered an internal wall running north to south for about 75 metres, which divided the complex into sections. One area is believed to have served as living quarters for soldiers. Everyday artefacts, such as pottery, storage jars, and a large bread oven complete with traces of petrified dough, offer a fascinating glimpse into the daily routines of the ancient garrison.
One particularly exciting discovery came from a tower foundation deposit dating to the early Eighteenth Dynasty. Among the items found was a ceramic vessel stamped with the cartouche of King Thutmose I. Archaeologists also identified fragments of imported volcanic stone, likely brought from the Greek islands, revealing the far-reaching trade links Egypt maintained during this period.
Photo Credit: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Early studies suggest the Tell El-Kharouba fortress underwent several phases of rebuilding and modification. The southern entrance, for example, appears to have been redesigned more than once to strengthen the defences and respond to changing military needs. These successive alterations shed light on the evolving strategies behind Egypt’s border security over time.
Experts explain that Tell El-Kharouba was part of a larger network of fortresses stretching across northern Sinai, including Tell Habwa, Tower Hill, and White Hill. Together, these strongholds illustrate the sophisticated military planning of ancient Egypt and its determination to maintain control over crucial eastern routes.
Excavations are set to continue, with archaeologists hoping to expose the remaining walls and investigate what is believed to be a nearby military port that once supported the fortress. Each new find adds another layer to our understanding of how Egypt defended its borders, and how this powerful civilisation maintained its influence far beyond the Nile.