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Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Why the Balkans should be your next summer destination
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). A complicated region with an extraordinarily rich cultural heritage, Europe's beautiful Balkan lands have been passed through and fought over by civilisations including the Romans, Greeks and Ottomans for more than a millennium. As a result, the term 'Balkans' is one of the slipperiest geographical descriptions in Europe. Broadly speaking it applies to the peninsula that stretches throughout southeastern Europe and ends in Greece. But where it begins — like many things in the Balkans — is a question of politics and perspective. Mainstream travel has been slow to take root in many of the region's countries, but things are gradually starting to change. As beach-holiday destinations go, this coastline is hard to top, offering a winning combination of crystalline coves, ancient settlements and delicious Mediterranean cuisine, all set before a backdrop of craggy mountains. The clear waters of the Adriatic and Ionian seas have been drawing admirers to these shores since ancient times, as demonstrated by the remains of sumptuous Roman residences positioned on some of the most beautiful bays. The most famous of these is Emperor Diocletian's retirement palace, which now forms the heart of Split, Croatia's second-largest city. Some of the Balkan peninsula countries are already firmly on the tourism radar, notably Slovenia, Croatia, Greece and, increasingly, the coastal parts of Montenegro and Albania. The famous walled towns of the coast — such as Dubrovnik in Croatia and Kotor in Montenegro — continue to charm, despite now being crammed with tourists in July and August. But the Balkans offer far more than just sunny beaches and crowded coastal cities. Head inland and you'll find a corner of Europe where it's still possible to access real wilderness, with bears, wolves and lynx roaming remote ranges and forgotten forests. To beat the crowds and chase adventure, plan a trip to the smaller, less-explored countries of the Western Balkans. Combined, the five we've highlighted below are roughly the same size as England. With two weeks to spare you could easily get a taste for each. Alternatively, pick just one or two for longer stays. Best for: urban explorationWith idyllic settings in river valleys ringed by mountains, Bosnia and Herzegovina's capital Sarajevo and historic centre of Mostar are two of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in the Balkans. Both suffered dreadfully during the 1990s wars and are still divided along ethnic lines, but the historic mosques, churches, synagogues and markets have now been restored and the streets once again hum with life. Sarajevo's old Ottoman core, Baščaršija, is back to being one of the region's most memorable and enchanting city neighbourhoods, where narrow lanes wind past old bazaars and pigeon-filled squares, and the scent of grilled meat, strong Bosnian coffee and shisha smoke swirls in the air. Mostar's famous 16th-century bridge — destroyed in 1993 — has been rebuilt and once more arcs elegantly over the green waters of the Neretva River. It forms the centrepiece of a heritage quarter of stone houses punctuated by the pencil-thin minarets of Ottoman mosques. (How to spend a perfect weekend in Bosnia & Herzegovina.) Best for: adventureMontenegro may be small, but Kosovo is smaller still. Since declaring independence from Serbia in 2008, this little landlocked nation has started to gain a reputation as an active-holiday destination for intrepid travellers. The pretty town of Peja — with its Byzantine and Ottoman architecture — is at the centre of the action. There's excellent hiking, caving and zip-lining in the surrounding area, as well as a vertigo-inducing via ferrata course in Rugova Canyon — but it's all still very off the beaten track for most travellers. Peja lies at the base of the formidable range known as the Accursed Mountains (Bjeshkët e Nemuna in Albanian, Prokletije in Serbian), which forms the border with Montenegro and Albania. This remote area is one of Europe's true wildernesses. It's now possible to take a multiday hike through the rugged terrain, traversing all three countries, on the 119-mile Peaks of the Balkans track. Trekkers stay in a mixture of family homes and mountain huts. This off-the-grid adventure can also be broken into bite-sized chunks, but shouldn't be undertaken lightly. It's best to enlist the services of a local operator such as Undiscovered Balkans or Balkan Natural Adventure to help with guiding and logistics, including arranging the correct permits for the border crossings. (Europe's newest adventure scene is blossoming in southern Kosovo.) Best for: diverse landscapesMontenegro is tiny — smaller than Northern Ireland — but it crams a lot in. The 'black mountain' that it's named after rises precipitously from the fjord-like Bay of Kotor, creating a spectacular backdrop to the medieval walls of Kotor town. South east of here, Montenegro's Adriatic coastline stretches barely 62 miles as the crow flies but still manages to pack in three more picture-perfect walled towns: Budva, Sveti Stefan and Ulcinj. Inland it's mainly mountains, punctuated by deep river canyons and glistening lakes. These range from the tiny glacial depressions known as gorske oči (mountain eyes) that are a feature of rugged Durmitor National Park, to the largest lake in the Balkans, Lake Skadar, which is an important habitat for wetland birds including giant Dalmatian pelicans. The everchanging scenery makes driving in Montenegro a constant thrill, especially once you escape the crowded coast. The terrain lends itself to myriad summertime activities: canyoning at Nevidio Canyon on the Komarnica River, whitewater rafting on the Tara River and birdwatching cruises on Lake Skadar, to name just a few. For hiking, base yourself in the mountain towns of Cetinje, Kolašin or Žabljak, which are the gateways to three lofty national parks: Lovćen, Biogradska Gora and Durmitor. A fourth range, Prokletije, on the border with Albania and Kosovo, is home to Montenegro's highest peak (8,316ft). (The ultimate Adriatic coastal adventure in Montenegro's Bay of Kotor.) Best for: beachesAlbania's long and lovely coastline stretches along two separate seas: the Adriatic and the Ionian. The Ionian, in particular, has some magnificent beaches, where the turquoise waters of southwestern Albania approach Caribbean levels of intensity. If you were hoping to chance upon uncrowded and undeveloped bays in Albania, that ship has sailed. The Ionian coast is now being touted as the 'Albanian Riviera' and construction can be seen everywhere, especially in popular places like Ksamil. That said, busy spots such as Mirror Beach (Plazhi Pasqyra) are popular for a reason — the juxtaposition of aquamarine waters and dramatic white cliffs is breathtaking. Tucked below canyon walls, Gjipe is similarly spectacular — and the fact that it can only be reached by boat or on foot helps to keep visitor numbers down. Other low-key stretches on the riviera include 4.3-mile-long Borsh and sleepy Qeparo. As appealing as the beaches are, it would be a shame to visit Albania and ignore the interior. The 'museum cities' of Berat and Gjirokastër are fascinating due to their high concentration of Ottoman houses, their elegant wooden upper storeys jutting out over the narrow streets. Tirana is one of the Balkans' buzziest capitals, a lively hybrid of Ottoman remnants, Communist-era blocks painted in outlandish colours and new construction. If you want to get further off the beaten track, Undiscovered Balkans offers multi-activity Albanian holidays which include hiking, rafting, mule treks and village feasts. (Take a journey through Albania's wild, blue heart.) Best for: foodDespite remarkable mountains, lakes and historic sites, North Macedonia is blissfully unassuming and largely untroubled by overtourism. The town of Ohrid is one of the country's biggest drawcards for its frescoed Orthodox churches, boat trips and lake-fronting boardwalks. But the country's rural areas are a real treat — particularly Mavrovo and Pelister national parks, which lend themselves to leisurely drives stopping at village taverns and roadside produce stalls. Five hundred years of Ottoman rule have had a noticeable impact on the food, which is more varied than most other Western Balkan cuisines and less averse to spice. Ajvar is a case in point. This delicious red pepper and aubergine spread can pack some real heat and is found on the menu at many local restaurants. Grilled meats also feature prominently, as they do throughout the Balkans, but the national dish is vegan: a white bean stew known as tavče gravče. Local markets are packed with mountain herbs, local honeys and tangy hard cheeses, which also make an appearance on rural guesthouse breakfast tables. Be sure to try the local tipples, too. These include mastika (a liqueur flavoured with tree resin) and wines from the Tikveš Plain made from lesser-known regional grape varietals such as Smederevka, Vranec and Temjanika. The region is around 90 minutes south east of the capital Skopje; travellers can while away a day or two here, staying at the Popova Kula winery hotel. (A taste of North Macedonia, from flaky burek to rakija and farmhouse cheeses.) To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
National Geographic
3 days ago
- National Geographic
Why the Balkans should be your next summer destination
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). A complicated region with an extraordinarily rich cultural heritage, Europe's beautiful Balkan lands have been passed through and fought over by civilisations including the Romans, Greeks and Ottomans for more than a millennium. As a result, the term 'Balkans' is one of the slipperiest geographical descriptions in Europe. Broadly speaking it applies to the peninsula that stretches throughout southeastern Europe and ends in Greece. But where it begins — like many things in the Balkans — is a question of politics and perspective. Mainstream travel has been slow to take root in many of the region's countries, but things are gradually starting to change. As beach-holiday destinations go, this coastline is hard to top, offering a winning combination of crystalline coves, ancient settlements and delicious Mediterranean cuisine, all set before a backdrop of craggy mountains. The clear waters of the Adriatic and Ionian seas have been drawing admirers to these shores since ancient times, as demonstrated by the remains of sumptuous Roman residences positioned on some of the most beautiful bays. The most famous of these is Emperor Diocletian's retirement palace, which now forms the heart of Split, Croatia's second-largest city. Some of the Balkan peninsula countries are already firmly on the tourism radar, notably Slovenia, Croatia, Greece and, increasingly, the coastal parts of Montenegro and Albania. The famous walled towns of the coast — such as Dubrovnik in Croatia and Kotor in Montenegro — continue to charm, despite now being crammed with tourists in July and August. But the Balkans offer far more than just sunny beaches and crowded coastal cities. Head inland and you'll find a corner of Europe where it's still possible to access real wilderness, with bears, wolves and lynx roaming remote ranges and forgotten forests. To beat the crowds and chase adventure, plan a trip to the smaller, less-explored countries of the Western Balkans. Combined, the five we've highlighted below are roughly the same size as England. With two weeks to spare you could easily get a taste for each. Alternatively, pick just one or two for longer stays. From delicious Mediterranean cuisine to historic towns set to a backdrop of craggy mountains, Balkans offer far more than just sunny beaches. Photograph by David C Tomlinson; Getty Images Bosnia and Herzegovina Best for: urban exploration With idyllic settings in river valleys ringed by mountains, Bosnia and Herzegovina's capital Sarajevo and historic centre of Mostar are two of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in the Balkans. Both suffered dreadfully during the 1990s wars and are still divided along ethnic lines, but the historic mosques, churches, synagogues and markets have now been restored and the streets once again hum with life. Sarajevo's old Ottoman core, Baščaršija, is back to being one of the region's most memorable and enchanting city neighbourhoods, where narrow lanes wind past old bazaars and pigeon-filled squares, and the scent of grilled meat, strong Bosnian coffee and shisha smoke swirls in the air. Mostar's famous 16th-century bridge — destroyed in 1993 — has been rebuilt and once more arcs elegantly over the green waters of the Neretva River. It forms the centrepiece of a heritage quarter of stone houses punctuated by the pencil-thin minarets of Ottoman mosques. The historic centre of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the Balkans most fascinating cities. Photograph by Lassi Kurkijarvi; Getty Images (How to spend a perfect weekend in Bosnia & Herzegovina.) Kosovo Best for: adventure Montenegro may be small, but Kosovo is smaller still. Since declaring independence from Serbia in 2008, this little landlocked nation has started to gain a reputation as an active-holiday destination for intrepid travellers. The pretty town of Peja — with its Byzantine and Ottoman architecture — is at the centre of the action. There's excellent hiking, caving and zip-lining in the surrounding area, as well as a vertigo-inducing via ferrata course in Rugova Canyon — but it's all still very off the beaten track for most travellers. Peja lies at the base of the formidable range known as the Accursed Mountains (Bjeshkët e Nemuna in Albanian, Prokletije in Serbian), which forms the border with Montenegro and Albania. This remote area is one of Europe's true wildernesses. It's now possible to take a multiday hike through the rugged terrain, traversing all three countries, on the 119-mile Peaks of the Balkans track. Trekkers stay in a mixture of family homes and mountain huts. This off-the-grid adventure can also be broken into bite-sized chunks, but shouldn't be undertaken lightly. It's best to enlist the services of a local operator such as Undiscovered Balkans or Balkan Natural Adventure to help with guiding and logistics, including arranging the correct permits for the border crossings. (Europe's newest adventure scene is blossoming in southern Kosovo.) Montenegro Best for: diverse landscapes Montenegro is tiny — smaller than Northern Ireland — but it crams a lot in. The 'black mountain' that it's named after rises precipitously from the fjord-like Bay of Kotor, creating a spectacular backdrop to the medieval walls of Kotor town. South east of here, Montenegro's Adriatic coastline stretches barely 62 miles as the crow flies but still manages to pack in three more picture-perfect walled towns: Budva, Sveti Stefan and Ulcinj. Inland it's mainly mountains, punctuated by deep river canyons and glistening lakes. These range from the tiny glacial depressions known as gorske oči (mountain eyes) that are a feature of rugged Durmitor National Park, to the largest lake in the Balkans, Lake Skadar, which is an important habitat for wetland birds including giant Dalmatian pelicans. The everchanging scenery makes driving in Montenegro a constant thrill, especially once you escape the crowded coast. The terrain lends itself to myriad summertime activities: canyoning at Nevidio Canyon on the Komarnica River, whitewater rafting on the Tara River and birdwatching cruises on Lake Skadar, to name just a few. For hiking, base yourself in the mountain towns of Cetinje, Kolašin or Žabljak, which are the gateways to three lofty national parks: Lovćen, Biogradska Gora and Durmitor. A fourth range, Prokletije, on the border with Albania and Kosovo, is home to Montenegro's highest peak (8,316ft). (The ultimate Adriatic coastal adventure in Montenegro's Bay of Kotor.) The deep river canyons of Durmitor National Park in Montenegro are well-suited for all manner of adventures. Photograph by FotoGablitz; Getty Images Albania Best for: beaches Albania's long and lovely coastline stretches along two separate seas: the Adriatic and the Ionian. The Ionian, in particular, has some magnificent beaches, where the turquoise waters of southwestern Albania approach Caribbean levels of intensity. If you were hoping to chance upon uncrowded and undeveloped bays in Albania, that ship has sailed. The Ionian coast is now being touted as the 'Albanian Riviera' and construction can be seen everywhere, especially in popular places like Ksamil. That said, busy spots such as Mirror Beach (Plazhi Pasqyra) are popular for a reason — the juxtaposition of aquamarine waters and dramatic white cliffs is breathtaking. Tucked below canyon walls, Gjipe is similarly spectacular — and the fact that it can only be reached by boat or on foot helps to keep visitor numbers down. Other low-key stretches on the riviera include 4.3-mile-long Borsh and sleepy Qeparo. As appealing as the beaches are, it would be a shame to visit Albania and ignore the interior. The 'museum cities' of Berat and Gjirokastër are fascinating due to their high concentration of Ottoman houses, their elegant wooden upper storeys jutting out over the narrow streets. Tirana is one of the Balkans' buzziest capitals, a lively hybrid of Ottoman remnants, Communist-era blocks painted in outlandish colours and new construction. If you want to get further off the beaten track, Undiscovered Balkans offers multi-activity Albanian holidays which include hiking, rafting, mule treks and village feasts. (Take a journey through Albania's wild, blue heart.) North Macedonia Best for: food Despite remarkable mountains, lakes and historic sites, North Macedonia is blissfully unassuming and largely untroubled by overtourism. The town of Ohrid is one of the country's biggest drawcards for its frescoed Orthodox churches, boat trips and lake-fronting boardwalks. But the country's rural areas are a real treat — particularly Mavrovo and Pelister national parks, which lend themselves to leisurely drives stopping at village taverns and roadside produce stalls. Five hundred years of Ottoman rule have had a noticeable impact on the food, which is more varied than most other Western Balkan cuisines and less averse to spice. Ajvar is a case in point. This delicious red pepper and aubergine spread can pack some real heat and is found on the menu at many local restaurants. Grilled meats also feature prominently, as they do throughout the Balkans, but the national dish is vegan: a white bean stew known as tavče gravče. Local markets are packed with mountain herbs, local honeys and tangy hard cheeses, which also make an appearance on rural guesthouse breakfast tables. Be sure to try the local tipples, too. These include mastika (a liqueur flavoured with tree resin) and wines from the Tikveš Plain made from lesser-known regional grape varietals such as Smederevka, Vranec and Temjanika. The region is around 90 minutes south east of the capital Skopje; travellers can while away a day or two here, staying at the Popova Kula winery hotel. (A taste of North Macedonia, from flaky burek to rakija and farmhouse cheeses.) To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
New York Post
19-05-2025
- New York Post
Massive ancient Roman military fortress uncovered in one of Egypt's ‘important strategic locations'
Ancient military fortifications dating back to the Ptolemaic and Roman eras of Egyptian history were recently uncovered by archaeologists. The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the discovery in a Facebook post, which was translated from Arabic to English, on May 3. Officials said that a recent excavation at the Tell Abu Sefeh site led to the uncovering of an expansive military complex. Advertisement The Tell Abu Sefeh site is located in North Sinai, near the Egyptian city of Ismailia and the Suez Canal. Described as one of Egypt's 'important strategic locations,' Tell Abu Sefeh emerged as a prominent location in antiquity. The ministry of tourism and antiquities said the site played a 'pivotal role in protecting Egypt's eastern borders.' There, archaeologists 'uncovered remains of military fortifications, soldiers' residential units, and a trench indicating the possibility of another fortress in the area,' according to the ministry. Aerial pictures show the sophisticated ancient military fortifications, along with artifacts such as basins and pots. Advertisement 3 Ancient military fortifications dating back to the Ptolemaic and Roman eras of Egyptian history were recently uncovered by archaeologists. Egypt Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Experts also believe that trees once lined a road to the fortress. '[M]ore than 500 clay circles were uncovered on both sides of the stone road, likely used for planting trees that adorned the entrance of the fortress during the Ptolemaic era,' the release noted. Egyptian officials added that the soldiers' residences 'provide a clear picture of the daily life of cavalry stationed at the Roman fortress during the reigns of Emperor Diocletian and Emperor Maximian.' Advertisement '[T]he discovery of four large kilns used for producing quicklime [also indicate] the site's transformation into an industrial center at the end of the Roman era, leading to the destruction of all stone structures at the site,' the statement added. Archaeologists also discovered a road that was over 330 feet long and 36 feet wide. 3 The Tell Abu Sefeh site is located in North Sinai, near the Egyptian city of Ismailia and the Suez Canal. Egypt Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities It was 'paved with limestone slabs, extending from outside the eastern gate of the Roman fortress to the heart of the site.' Advertisement '[This] road is built over an older road from the Ptolemaic era, constructed from limestone slabs,' the statement said. Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy said in a statement that the discovery 'sheds light on the secrets of Egypt's eastern military fortifications during the Ptolemaic and Roman eras.' '[It also] highlights the significance of Tell Abu Sefeh as a military and industrial center throughout the ages,' the official added. 3 Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy said in a statement that the discovery 'sheds light on the secrets of Egypt's eastern military fortifications during the Ptolemaic and Roman eras.' Egypt Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Mohamed Ismail Khaled echoed Fathy's sentiment. The excavation 'contributes to a more accurate depiction of the map of Egypt's defenses on its eastern borders, reaffirming that Sinai has always been Egypt's eastern gateway and first fortress,' he added. '[The mission also] managed to uncover a distinctive architectural design for the eastern gates of the previously discovered Ptolemaic and Roman fortresses at the site, aiding in re-imagining the shape of defensive entrances at that time, along with a massive defensive trench over two meters deep at the entrance of the Ptolemaic fortress, believed to be part of a defensive system that could be disabled when threatened,' Khaled added. Advertisement The announcement comes weeks after the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the unusual discovery of a false door at an ancient Egyptian tomb. Before that, the ministry reported another rare find: a 3,000-year-old mining complex, complete with remnants of millennia-old baths, workshops and homes.
Forbes
09-05-2025
- Forbes
On Croatia's Adriatic Coast, The Ancient City Of Split Has Become A Major Tourist Destination In Dalmatia
As Croatia's second largest city, Split has been enjoying remarkable success over the last five years as a quieter, cheaper alternative to Italy's tourist crunch. Split is especially popular with French, German and Austrians who come for the surrounding natural beauty of the mountains, white beaches, hiking and biking. Many rent the same apartments overlooking the sea year after year, and last year nearly 800,000 Americans visited Split and its sister cities of Zagreb and Dubrovnik. Up until 15 years ago Split was an industrial city, but now tourism has become a major industry. Split itself is a unique archeological treasure, and, after recent development and restoration, now more vital than it's been in centuries, with ferry crossings to the islands of Brac and Kvar. (Croatia has more than 1,200.) Originally a Greek colony, Split was long one of the Roman Empire's largest, best located cities, with a population of as many as 60,000 people. In 293 AD Emperor Diocletian began construction of a vast fortified retirement palace, which itself could house 10,000 people. Over the next millennium Split was constantly fought over and sacked by those who recognized its strategic location, including the Byzantine Empire and the Republic of Venice; in the 19th century Napoleon took the city; on his defeat in 1812 the Austrian Hapsburg ruled, then after World War I Croatia became part of Yugoslavia, with Split as its most prosperous city. In 1991 Croatia declared its independence, which led to four years of brutal war with Serbia, and creating a massive refugee problem. There are few vestiges of that conflict now in Split, although many of the houses and apartments surrounding the center of the city are mundane cement and red tiled-roof remnants of an era when alternatives were not possible. Nearer the center of Split there are some modern buildings, few taller than ten stories. The center itself, which lies along the graceful, curving harbor facing the Riva, a long stretch of cafés where everyone meets from breakfast through late at night and anchored by Diocletian's extraordinary palace whose vast limestone arched hallways lead into well-restored sections where both the emperor and the population once lived and worked. There is an Ethnographic Museums within, and Egyptian lion sculptures still resting on the walls. The palace's ongoing restoration has meant a rapid acquisition of spaces converted to apartments, boutiques, cafes, even a sushi restaurant. New modern hotels have opened in the old town, including Vestibule Palace (Iza Vestibula 4) ––'since 305 AD'––and indeed you really can sleep and dine, at its restaurant Magnus (with a superb wine list), within those fourth century limestone walls. For the summer rates runs around €360. I was being thriftier, booking a splendid Airbnb called Riva City Rooms (they have five locations) just outside the Palace walls and overlooking the Riva for €90. Outside of city center the new Méridien Lav Hotel (Grljevacka 24) is expansive, with a long beachfront and panorama on the Adriatic where you can take breakfast, sun-lighted spacious rooms, a large sophisticated bar and lounge called LaVue, and quite a good Italian restaurant named Conlemani, where I chose from an array of wood-fired pizzas, vitello tonnato and spaghetti with lobster. Nearby, in the town of Strobeč, is very much a local favorite restaurant, Konoba Nikola (Ivankova 42)––konoba means a tavern or cellar––reached by climbing a rocky road up from the plaza in a secluded converted house. It's been a restaurant for a quarter century, whose ebullient owner, Nikola Džalo, grew up in these premises. Located a few steps down, the rustic room has only 24 seats and is set with folkloric art and photos. Displayed on ice is the day's catch, which might be pretty red mullet, fat scampi, John Dory, branzino and more, all grilled to perfection and served with French fries. The wine list is deep, and if you wish, Nikola will charge you only by how much of a bottle you consume. Our three-course meal for two, with desert and wine, came to a very reasonable €214. I will be following up with a report on more of Split's best restaurants but let me for the moment give you some tips about local customs. ● Both Uber and Bolt are readily available, with some of their cars parked right at the Riva, and they are cheaper by far than the taxis, which are not easy to find unless your concierge calls one and you pay for the pick-up. ● At restaurants a ten percent tip on the bill is considered standard. ● Split has hundreds of ATMs all over town but use only those with a bank's name on it. Do not use the red, yellow, blue or green ATMs. I did on my first day and ended up paying a whopping twenty percent service fee. ● If you sit by the Riva for coffee, snacks or a full meal at the restaurants there––all of which have more or less the same tourist menu––do not take a table far to the left (facing the street), because for some reason the sickly stench of sulfur rises from below the pavement. ● It would be difficult to find any resident of the, or elsewhere in Croatia, who doesn't speak very good English, and the populace is exceptionally welcoming and helpful to America visitors.
CairoScene
03-05-2025
- CairoScene
Discovery in Sinai Reveal Secrets of Ancient Egypt's Eastern Fortress
The discoveries shed new light on Egypt's eastern military defences during the Ptolemaic and Roman eras, highlighting Sinai's long-standing role as the nation's front line. May 03, 2025 A new wave of archaeological discoveries in North Sinai has revealed significant insights into Egypt's ancient eastern defences. The Egyptian archaeological mission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities has uncovered the remains of military fortifications, residential units for soldiers, and a defensive trench at Tell Abu Seifa, a historically strategic site east of the Nile Delta. The finds, announced by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, point to the presence of military strongholds dating back to the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. Notably, a trench was identified at the entrance of the Ptolemaic fortress, raising the possibility that an even older third fortress may lie within the site. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy described the discovery as critical to understanding the design and significance of Egypt's eastern fortifications. Tell Abu Seifa, he noted, once served as a military and industrial centre, reinforcing Egypt's position as a protected gateway against threats from the east. Further discoveries include an 11-metre wide paved limestone road running over 100 metres through the Roman fortress, believed to be built atop an older Ptolemaic path. More than 500 circular clay features line the route, thought to have held trees that once framed the entrance to the fortress during the Ptolemaic period. Residential structures dating to the Roman period were also found, giving archaeologists rare insight into the daily life of soldiers stationed at the site during the reigns of Emperors Diocletian and Maximian. Additionally, four large kilns, likely used for producing quicklime, suggest the site evolved into an industrial hub by the late Roman period. Tell Abu Seifa played a key role in protecting Egypt's eastern frontier, especially as shifting river routes and coastal changes reduced the significance of the nearby ancient city of Tharu (Tell Habwa). Over time, the site emerged as a vital stronghold in the region's evolving defensive network.
