Discovery of a Ptolemaic Temple Pylon in Sohag, Egypt!
A remarkable archaeological discovery has come to light in Sohag, Egypt, where a joint Egyptian-German mission has unearthed a stunningly well-preserved Ptolemaic temple pylon. The mission, a collaboration between Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) and the University of Tübingen, has been working on the western side of the Great Temple of Athribis.
This monumental pylon, which originally measured 51 metres in width and rose up to 18 metres in height, is an architectural marvel. It comprises two imposing towers, each 24 metres wide, flanking a grand central entrance. The pylon is adorned with intricate hieroglyphic inscriptions and carvings depicting a Ptolemaic king making offerings to key deities worshipped at Athribis, including the lion-headed goddess Repyt, her consort Min, the fertility god, and their child deity Kolanthes.
Photo Credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Historical Insights into Ptolemaic Egypt
The inscriptions on the pylon offer a treasure trove of historical information. Dr Mohamed Abdel Badie, leader of the Egyptian mission, explained that the cartouches on the gate and inner walls date the structure to the reign of Ptolemy VIII (170–116 BCE). Known for his tumultuous political reign and controversial policies, Ptolemy VIII’s rule left a lasting imprint on Egypt. The inscriptions may also reference Queen Cleopatra III, adding depth to the historical narrative.
Athribis itself was once a bustling religious and administrative hub, stretching across 74 acres and featuring temple complexes, settlements, necropolises, and quarries. The site’s history includes significant early contributions by British archaeologist Flinders Petrie, who partially uncovered parts of the temple in the early 20th century.
Photo Credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Unveiling the Temple’s Secrets
Dr Christian Leitz, co-leader of the German team, highlighted fascinating depictions of celestial deities used to measure night hours, offering insights into ancient Egyptian timekeeping. Markus Müller, site director for the German mission, revealed another exciting find—a staircase leading to a now-destroyed upper floor, which the team estimates was destroyed around 752 CE. This marks a significant chapter in the temple’s long and storied history.
The Ptolemaic period (305–30 BCE) was a time of cultural fusion between Greek and Egyptian traditions. Founded by Ptolemy I Soter, a general of Alexander the Great, this era saw the blending of Greek and Egyptian art, architecture, and religious practices. Ptolemaic rulers adopted Egyptian customs, portraying themselves as pharaohs while introducing Greek language and traditions.
Photo Credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Looking Ahead
Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the SCA, described the discovery as a breakthrough, calling it “the first nucleus for unveiling the remaining elements of the temple.” With support from Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathi, the mission plans to continue excavations, hoping to reveal even more of Athribis’s ancient secrets.
Already, the ongoing Athribis project has yielded incredible finds, including over 30,000 ostraca inscribed with Demotic, Coptic, and Hieratic texts. As excavations continue, archaeologists are optimistic about uncovering further features of this extraordinary temple complex, shedding light on Egypt’s rich and layered history.
This discovery not only enhances our understanding of the Ptolemaic era but also underscores the enduring cultural and historical significance of ancient Egypt.