New archaeological discovery in Sinai reveals Egypt's ancient eastern fortifications - Ancient Egypt

Al-Ahram Weekly

03-05-2025

The excavations revealed a distinctive architectural design of the eastern gates of both the Ptolemaic and Roman fortresses previously discovered at the site. A large defensive trench, more than two metres deep, was also found at the entrance of the Ptolemaic fortress. Experts believe this feature was part of an adaptable defensive system designed to respond to imminent threats.
"This discovery offers a deeper understanding of the defensive systems established in eastern Egypt and reaffirms Tell Abu Saifi's historical role as both a military and industrial hub across various eras," he added.
'The discovery is providing new insights into the defensive infrastructure that protected Egypt's eastern borders during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods,' said Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy, who highlighted the strategic importance of the site.
According to Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the SCA, the discoveries help paint a clearer picture of Egypt's ancient defence strategies.
'Sinai has always served as Egypt's eastern gate and its first line of defence,' he said, adding that the mission also unearthed a well-preserved road stretching over 100 metres in length and 11 metres in width.
Paved with limestone slabs, the road leads from the eastern gate of the Roman fortress to the heart of the site.
It was constructed over an earlier Ptolemaic road, also made of limestone.
On both sides of this road, archaeologists discovered over 500 clay planting circles, believed to have held trees that once lined the entrance to the fortress during the Ptolemaic period.
The site also yielded Roman-era soldiers' quarters, offering rare insights into the daily lives of cavalry stationed there during the reigns of Emperors Diocletian and Maximian.
Hisham Hussein, head of the archaeological mission and Director-General of Sinai Antiquities, revealed that further discoveries were made, including four industrial-scale kilns used to produce quicklime—evidence that the site evolved into a production centre in the later Roman period, which likely led to the destruction of its earlier stone structures.
Excavators also found traces of what may be an even older fortress beneath the known structures.
The team has identified the four corners of this third fortress and is working to determine its date.
In addition, several overlapping rectangular buildings were uncovered, believed to have served as long-term residential spaces during the Ptolemaic era.
Tell Abu Saifi, situated near the ancient border city of Tharu, is considered one of Egypt's most strategically important archaeological sites.
With changes in the Nile's course and coastal shifts over the centuries, the prominence of Tell Abu Saifi grew as it assumed a key role in the defence of Egypt's eastern frontier.