Latest news with #NickyNielsen
Fox News
14-07-2025
- Science
- Fox News
Archaeologists uncover multistory buildings in once-thriving city lost to time
Archaeologists recently uncovered multistory buildings from a lost Egyptian city in the Nile Delta, fostering new insights into urban life in antiquity. The ruins of the city – known in ancient times as Imet or Buto – are located at the site now called Tell el-Fara'in. The University of Manchester announced the discovery in a June 24 press release. Multiple excavations have taken place at the site in past decades, but the latest dig by British archaeologists revealed the presence of multiple multistory structures. The elevated dwellings were found thanks to a combination of remote sensing and satellite imagery technology, said the University of Manchester. The British archaeologists were joined by experts from the University of Sadat City in Cairo. The high-tech methods led researchers to notice clusters of "ancient mudbricks" before the excavation began. The university reported, "This approach led to the discovery of dense architectural remains, including substantial tower houses – multistory buildings supported by exceptionally thick foundation walls, which were designed to accommodate a growing population in an increasingly urbanized Delta region." University of Manchester lecturer Nicky Nielsen helped lead the excavation. In a statement, he dated the structures to the Ptolemaic Period, which began around 332 B.C. and ended in 30 B.C. "These tower houses are mainly found in the Nile Delta between the Late Period and the Roman era, and are rare elsewhere in Egypt," the Egyptologist said. "Their presence here shows that Imet was a thriving and densely built city with a complex urban infrastructure." Archaeologists also uncovered the remains of granaries, or buildings for storing grain, as well as a ceremonial road tied to the cult of Wadjet, the Ancient Egyptian cobra goddess. Animal enclosures were also observed during the excavation, as well as a series of additional buildings. "Imet is emerging as a key site for rethinking the archaeology of Late Period Egypt." "Elsewhere, excavators found a large building with a limestone plaster floor and massive pillars dating to the mid-Ptolemaic Period," the University of Manchester noted. "This building was built across the processional road, which once connected to the temple of Wadjet – the city's patron deity," the statement continued. "This ceremonial route appears to have fallen out of use by the mid-Ptolemaic period, offering insight into shifting religious landscapes in Ancient Egypt." Smaller artifacts were also uncovered by archaeologists. Pictures from the excavation show an ushabti (a small funerary figurine), a stone slab depicting the god Harpocrates and a bronze sistrum, or rattle, of Hathor, the goddess of music and joy. The excavation will help advance understanding of "the urban, religious and economic life of this city in the Nile Delta during the 4th century BC," according to university officials. "This discovery opens new doors to our understanding of daily life, spirituality and urban planning in the Delta," the statement concluded. "Imet is emerging as a key site for rethinking the archaeology of Late Period Egypt." Ancient Egypt has captivated archaeologists for centuries, and many finds from the millennia-old civilization are still being discovered today. In May, several tombs of high-ranking Ancient Egyptian officials were recently uncovered by local archaeologists, dating back to the era of the New Kingdom. A month earlier, a University of Pennsylvania professor spoke with Fox News Digital about unearthing the tomb of an unknown pharaoh near Abydos.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Long-Lost Nile City Unearthed Beneath Egypt
Archaeologists have unearthed in Egypt a long-lost Nile city containing homes, factories, and a ceremonial 'causeway.' 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
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Archaeologists Found a Lost Egyptian City Buried in the Nile Delta
Here's what you'll learn when you read this story: Archaeologists discovered the lost ancient city of Imet in modern-day Egypt's eastern Nile Delta. Included within the find were multi-story 'tower' homes showing the urbanization of the area. Evidence indicated the worship of the city's patron deity, the cobra goddess Wadjet, waned over time. The discovery of the ancient city Imet in Egypt's eastern Nile Delta offers intriguing insights, including the architectural urbanization of the area prior to the Roman era, and worship of the city's patron deity, the cobra goddess Wadjet. Excavations at Tell el-Fara'in reveal cultural norms during the early- to middle-fourth century B.C., which feature intricate urbanization with 'substantial tower houses,' structures that were basically multi-story buildings supported by exceptionally thick foundation walls, according to a statement from the University of Manchester. 'These tower houses are mainly found in the Nile Delta between the Late Period and the Roman era, and are rare elsewhere in Egypt,' Nicky Nielsen, researcher with the University of Manchester, said in a statement. 'Their presence here shows that Imet was a thriving and densely built city with a complex urban infrastructure.' The thick foundation walls were designed to support the weight of the tall buildings. The houses, with their multiple floors, were crafted to accommodate many people, Mohamed Ismail Khaled, secretary general of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, said in a translated statement from the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. The researchers located the city using remote sensing via high-resolution satellite imagery. The images identified clusters of ancient mudbricks that led the team to on-the-ground excavation. It was then they discovered the tower houses. But that wasn't all they found. The team discovered a grain processing center, which featured a paved area and animal enclosures. The find offers information about both the local economy and the religious significance of the area. Nielsen said Imet was prominent during the New Kingdom, sometime between 1550 and 1069 B.C. and its location along trade routes allowed it to maintain importance, especially as it attracted Wadjet pilgrims and merchants. A newer find, from the mid-Ptolemaic Period of about 200 B.C., showed a large structure with a limestone plaster floor and impressive pillars wrapped with stucco. The building was constructed across a processional road that once connected to the temple of Wadjet. Researchers believe that this new building, placed over the ceremonial road shows the worship of Wadjet had waned by that time, offering insight into a shifting religious landscape in ancient Egypt. The temple of Wadjet was rebuilt by Ramses II in the mid-1200s B.C., and then again by Ahmose II in the mid-500s B.C. but began a decline thereafter. The past religious culture of Imet has started to come into greater clarity in the present day, thanks to finds like a green faience ushabti (a ceramic funerary figurine) from the 26th Dynasty, a stela (an upright stone slab with a relief design) of the god Harpocrates (the Greek name for Horus the Child) standing on two crocodiles while holding a snake, and a bronze sistrum musical instrument adorned with the twin heads of Hathor, goddess of music and joy. 'This discovery opens new doors to our understanding of daily life, spirituality, and urban planning in the Delta,' Nielsen said. 'Imet is emerging as a key site for rethinking the archaeology of Late Period Egypt.' You Might Also Like The Do's and Don'ts of Using Painter's Tape The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?
Scottish Sun
28-06-2025
- Science
- Scottish Sun
Lost 2,400-year-old city uncovered by archaeologists with multi-storey buildings and temple dedicated to cobra goddess
Researchers said the city had a "complex urban infrastructure" ANCIENT SECRETS Lost 2,400-year-old city uncovered by archaeologists with multi-storey buildings and temple dedicated to cobra goddess Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A ONCE bustling city with multi-storey tower houses and a cobra goddess temple built 2,400 years ago has been discovered by archaeologists. The densely built city dates back to the 4th century BCE - and even used to have a thriving local economy and religious traditions, researchers said. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Archaeologists have discovered the remains of an ancient lost city Credit: University of Manchester 5 The city of Imet existed around 2,400 years ago Credit: Dr Nicky Nielsen et al 5 Scientists found artefacts to prove the groundbreaking city was a bustling hub Credit: University of Manchester Buried under modern day Tell el-Fara'in, Egypt, state-of-the-art technology has been used to uncover the ancient city of Imet. Boffins from the University of Manchester and the University of Sadat City in Cairo made the groundbreaking discovery in the African nation's Nile Delta. A team of archaeologists led by Dr. Nicky Nielsen excavated an array of extraordinary artefacts - which point to the location's booming economy and religious practice. The team said: "The University of Manchester is bringing the ancient Delta back one discovery at a time." They said locating the forgotten city of Imet allowed them to have a greater understanding of "daily life, spirituality, and urban planning in the Delta". The incredible city dates back to the Late Period in Egypt - the final era of Egyptian rule which was killed off by Alexander the Great's conquest. Archaeologists used remote sensing including high-resolution satellite imagery. They first detected ancient mudbricks, which led them to discover 'dense architectural remains'. These included multi-storey buildings with "exceptionally thick foundation walls". The team dubbed these "tower houses". Mystery as body of footless Roman with KNIFE in back found at ancient fort The 4th-century Egyptians are understood to have built them to accommodate their soaring population. Imet, as well as the Delta region, became an urban center, the scientists said following their breakthrough finding. Leading researcher Dr Nielsen said: "These tower houses are mainly found in the Nile Delta between the Late Period and the Roman era, and are rare elsewhere in Egypt. "Their presence here shows that Imet was a thriving and densely built city with a complex urban infrastructure." In another shocking revelation, the scientists also discovered a large building dating to the mid-Ptolemaic Period - even older than the Late Period. This fascinating find meant that the city may have had even more ancient roots. The building, which is understood to be older than the rest of the city, had a limestone plaster floor and massive pilars. It was also built across a processional road that connected it to a temple dedicated to the city's patron deity, Wadjet, the cobra goddess. But it was abandoned around the mid-Ptolemaic era, sparking theories that religious beliefs may have changed at the time, the experts said. Archaeologists also uncovered a grain-processing area and animal pens - proof that Imet had a developed local economy and religious traditions. And they found artefacts which supported the idea that the Delta centre was once a thriving Ancient Egyptian community. Their most prized discoveries included a green faience ushabti from the 26th Dynasty, a stela of the god Harpocrates with protective iconography, and a bronze sistrum adorned with the twin heads of Hathor, goddess of music and joy. These finds have helped experts piece together one of Ancient Egypt's long-lost cities - shining new light on the empire's final days. 5 The scientists said the discovery will help them unearth more about the empire's final days Credit: University of Manchester
The Irish Sun
28-06-2025
- Science
- The Irish Sun
Lost 2,400-year-old city uncovered by archaeologists with multi-storey buildings and temple dedicated to cobra goddess
A ONCE bustling city with multi-storey tower houses and a cobra goddess temple built 2,400 years ago has been discovered by archaeologists. The densely built city dates back to the 4th century BCE - and even used to have a thriving local economy and religious traditions, researchers said. Advertisement 5 Archaeologists have discovered the remains of an ancient lost city Credit: University of Manchester 5 The city of Imet existed around 2,400 years ago Credit: Dr Nicky Nielsen et al 5 Scientists found artefacts to prove the groundbreaking city was a bustling hub Credit: University of Manchester Buried under modern day Tell el-Fara'in, Egypt, state-of-the-art technology has been used to uncover the ancient city of Imet. Boffins from the University of Manchester and the University of Sadat City in Cairo made the A team of The team said: "The University of Manchester is bringing the ancient Delta back Advertisement They said locating the The incredible city dates back to the Late Period in Egypt - the final era of Egyptian rule which was killed off by Alexander the Great's conquest. Archaeologists used remote sensing including high-resolution satellite imagery. They first Advertisement Most read in The US Sun These included multi-storey buildings with "exceptionally thick foundation walls". The team dubbed these "tower houses". Mystery as body of footless Roman with KNIFE in back found at ancient fort The 4th-century Egyptians are understood to have built them to accommodate their soaring population. Imet, as well as the Delta region, became an urban center, the scientists said following their breakthrough finding. Advertisement Leading researcher Dr Nielsen said: "These tower houses are mainly found in the Nile Delta between the Late Period and the Roman era, and are rare elsewhere in Egypt . "Their presence here shows that Imet was a thriving and densely built city with a complex urban infrastructure." In another shocking revelation, the scientists also discovered a large building dating to the mid-Ptolemaic Period - even older than the Late Period. This fascinating find meant that the city may have had even more ancient roots. Advertisement The building, which is understood to be older than the rest of the city, had a limestone plaster floor and massive pilars. It was also built across a processional road that connected it to a temple dedicated to the city's patron deity, Wadjet, the cobra goddess. But it was abandoned around the mid-Ptolemaic era, sparking theories that religious beliefs may have changed at the time, the experts said. Archaeologists also uncovered a grain-processing area and animal pens - proof that Imet had a developed local economy and religious traditions. Advertisement And they found artefacts which supported the idea that the Delta centre was once a thriving Ancient Egyptian community. Read more on the Irish Sun Their most prized discoveries included a green faience ushabti from the 26 th Dynasty, a stela of the god Harpocrates with protective iconography, and a bronze sistrum adorned with the twin heads of Hathor, goddess of music and joy. These finds have helped experts piece together one of Ancient Egypt's long-lost cities - shining new light on the empire's final days. 5 The scientists said the discovery will help them unearth more about the empire's final days Credit: University of Manchester Advertisement 5 They found a range of stunning artefacts Credit: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
