Long-Lost Nile City Unearthed Beneath Egypt
Scientists working in the eastern Nile Delta discovered an entire city beneath a mound at Tell el-Fara'in (Mound of the Pharaohs). Known as Imet, the lost city contained multi-floor homes, ceremonial areas, granaries, and assorted religious artifacts, all of which remain immaculately preserved. The preservation is especially notable as artifacts made of mudbrick—like the structures in Imet—tend to degrade when stored underground. The excavation was undertaken by Nicky Nielsen, a senior lecturer in Egyptology at the University of Manchester, in collaboration with Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the University of Sadat City.
"Imet is emerging as a key site for rethinking the archaeology of Late Period Egypt," Nielsen said in a press release. "These tower houses are most commonly encountered in the Nile Delta during the Late Period and the Roman period, and are otherwise rare in Egypt," he continued of the discovery. "That they exist here indicates that Imet was a prosperous and densely constructed city with a sophisticated urban infrastructure."After identifying the site with satellite imaging, the researchers excavated a series of dense, multi-story homes as well as relatively advanced factories built to process grain. Also unearthed were animal enclosures, gesturing towards a rich and vibrant community. There was also a ceremonial 'causeway,' something of a highway which connected Imet to a large center of worship just outside the city.
Further excavations are planned with the hope of discovering even more about the lost city's mysterious past. "Imet is becoming a critical location for reimagining the archaeology of Late Period Egypt," Nielsen concluded.
Long-Lost Nile City Unearthed Beneath Egypt first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 4, 2025
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