Latest news with #Ptolemaic
The Star
24-05-2025
- The Star
Egypt's tourism on the rise
Standing in awe beneath the open sky inside the Philae Temple complex by the Nile River in Egypt's city of Aswan, Spanish traveller Brais Recarey took in the symmetry of the towering columns and the intricate inscriptions carved millennia ago. Built during the Ptolemaic period and dedicated to the goddess Isis, Philae's structures feature floral capitals, hieroglyph-covered walls, and reliefs of ancient deities. 'It's magical and amazing,' Recarey said, marvelling at how such complex structures were built in ancient times. Recarey also learned that the temple complex was relocated, piece by piece, to its current island decades ago as part of a Unesco-led campaign to save it from flooding. 'It's hard to imagine the effort it took to move all this – thousands of workers, heavy cranes – it's incredible,' Recarey, 28, said. The visit was far more than a sightseeing stop for him. 'Ancient Egypt was the cradle of civilisation. It all started here,' he said. Aswan and Luxor are key destinations for foreign visitors seeking cultural tourism. Forming a historical corridor along the Nile, the two provinces are home to some of the world's most iconic ancient sites. Aswan offers the serene beauty of the Philae Temple complex, the giant, rock-cut statues of Abu Simbel to the south, and the vibrant charm of Nubian villages. Luxor, meanwhile, captivates visitors with the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings, the sprawling Karnak Temple complex, and the mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, one of Egypt's few female pharaohs. Cruising along the Nile is a good way to visit Upper Egypt. Tourism boom In 2024, Egypt welcomed a record 15.7 million tourists, up from 14.9 million the previous year, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. This rising influx came as no surprise to Mohamed Othman, head of the Cultural Tourism Marketing Committee in Upper Egypt, who attributed the surge to improved tourism infrastructure, the global promotional tours of Egyptian antiquities in major international museums. The upcoming opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum was also a factor. 'We've seen more tourists from new countries, not just traditional sources,' he added, emphasising how integrated Egypt's southern destinations are due to their cultural richness. 'Most tourists who visit Luxor also come to Aswan and vice versa,' he said. Among the newcomers to southern Egypt was Gema Duran, a young woman from Mexico, who described Aswan as 'heartwarming'. She enjoyed shopping for souvenirs at a nearby Nubian village. 'The people here are very kind. They would give you everything they have. I was even invited to dinner by a local family. Not every place offers that kind of hospitality.' Duran said she plans to continue her cultural journey across Egypt. 'Next, I'll be visiting Luxor, then the Red Sea city of Hurghada. I want to experience the local culture in every way I can.' Also exploring the sites of Upper Egypt was an older American couple, Bob Meehan and Ginger Edwards. While Meehan admitted he struggled with the heat, he found Egypt's cultural landmarks stunning. 'It's very impressive how they moved this temple complex to this island,' he said about Philae. 'Our guide told us some stories behind it, and I really enjoyed the history.' As for Edwards, she was touched by cultural interaction with the locals. She said she socialised with the Aswan people, ate together, and shared stories. 'We travel to learn how people make life work. Being here, talking to Egyptians, and listening to their stories – that's the reason we travel,' she said. As the midday sun cast its light over the Nile, He Yanju, a young woman from Sichuan province in China, walked along the riverbank in Aswan with her friend Luo Wenpei, taking in the gentle breeze and golden views. 'Aswan is really beyond my imagination,' she said. 'Before coming, I read some articles saying it's underdeveloped, but what I've found here is beauty, liveliness, and full of energy. I think it's booming.' One particular memory about Egypt has stayed with her since childhood: 'An Egyptian pyramid was on the cover of our world history book. So it has always been our dream to visit.' – MAHMOUD FOULY/Xinhua
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.
Fox News
19-05-2025
- Fox News
Ancient Roman military fortifications found in 'strategic location' in Egypt
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. 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. 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." "[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. It was "paved with limestone slabs, extending from outside the eastern gate of the Roman fortress to the heart of the site." "[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. 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. It was "paved with limestone slabs, extending from outside the eastern gate of the Roman fortress to the heart of the site." "[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. 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.
Business Insider
13-05-2025
- Business Insider
Egypt trounces infamous trafficking network to recover 25 rare antiquities
Egypt is set to reclaim 25 stolen rare antiques following a three-year recovery campaign involving the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, Egypt's consulate in New York, and US law enforcement authorities. Egypt recovered 25 rare antiques as part of a three-year campaign involving international law enforcement. These artifacts, spanning millennia, include items such as a gilt wooden coffin, Greco-Roman corpse image, and Ptolemaic gold coin. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office has returned over $6.5 million worth of goods to Egypt since 2022. These artifacts, which span millennia of Egyptian civilization, were delivered to Egyptian officials in New York in early May 2024. Earlier in the month, the office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg stated that eleven antiques altogether valued at $1.4 million had been restituted to Egyptian officials. The Manhattan DA's office has returned 27 goods totaling over $6.5 million to the Egyptian government since 2022. Currently, among the 25 objects recovered is a gilt wooden coffin from around 332-275 BCE. After changing hands several times, it was taken from Manhattan's Merrin Gallery in 2023. The collection also contains a Greco-Roman corpse image from Fayoum, temple remnants thought to be associated to Queen Hatshepsut, miniature ivory and stone sculptures, a granite foot piece from the Ramessid dynasty, and finely carved jewelry reaching back nearly 2,400 years. The collection also includes elaborately created jewelry from roughly 2,400 years ago, a granite foot part from the Ramessid dynasty, Egypt's zenith of power, and miniature ivory and stone sculptures. In addition, a unique gold coin going back more than two millennia to the time of Ptolemy I, one of Alexander the Great's generals and the founder of ancient Egypt's final royal dynasty, is set to be returned. Recent loss of Egyptian artifacts Amid the chaos of the 2011 revolution that overthrew Hosni Mubarak, several cultural assets vanished. Thousands of priceless artifacts were taken during the widespread looting of museums and archeological sites, and many eventually turned up in private collections or on the international black market. Some of Egypt's stolen artifcats as earlier reported by The Art Newspaper, were part of a bigger investigation into the Dib-Simonian trafficking network, which includes high-profile persons like as former Musée du Louvre director Jean-Luc Martinez. The network enabled the sale of plundered cultural treasures to organizations such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The ring's leader, Serop Simonian, was arrested in Germany and will be transferred to France in 2023. 'Egypt has an incredibly rich cultural history that we will not allow to be diminished by selfish looters and traffickers.
CairoScene
13-05-2025
- CairoScene
25 Smuggled Egyptian Artefacts Repatriated From the United States
The repatriated artefacts include items from ancient Egypt's Pharaonic and Greco-Roman periods. May 13, 2025 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that 25 smuggled Egyptian artefacts have been repatriated from the United States, following a coordinated recovery effort with the Manhattan District Attorney's Office and other US authorities. The artefacts have now arrived in Cairo. The artefacts, which span several key periods of ancient Egyptian history, include wooden sarcophagus lids, fragments of temple reliefs believed to date to the time of Queen Hatshepsut, a Greco-Roman-era Fayoum mummy portrait, and intricately crafted pieces of jewellery dating back more than 2,000 years. One of the standout items is a gold coin minted during the reign of Ptolemy I, an early ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty. The retrieved items were seized during investigations launched in 2022, and had been held at Egypt's Consulate General in New York before their return. Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities confirmed that many of the artefacts were looted or smuggled illegally before being acquired by private collectors or institutions in the US. This latest recovery marks another milestone in Egypt's ongoing efforts to retrieve stolen and trafficked cultural property. According to the Ministry, nearly 30,000 artefacts have been recovered over the past decade through diplomatic and legal cooperation with international partners.
