An Egyptian-German archaeological team recently excavated a well-preserved Ptolemaic temple pylon. The ancient entrance gate was discovered at the Athribis archaeological site just north of Cairo, Egypt.
Ptolemaic Temple Once Boasted 60-Foot Pylon Towers
Archaeologists from Germany’s University of Tübingen collaborated with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism to excavate the Ptolemaic temple pylon, which dates back over two millennia. The pylon consists of two towers that flank a central entrance gate, presumably to a temple complex. It is about 167 feet wide and originally stood up to 60 feet tall. Researchers say the newly-discovered Ptolemaic temple pylon is comparable to that of Luxor Temple, one of the most famous ancient Egyptian temple complexes. The most recent excavations at the Athribis site have focused on the Ptolemaic temple pylon’s northern tower. Archaeologists are now shifting their focus towards the area behind the pylon, where they hope to discover more temple remains.
Hieroglyphs Point to King Ptolemy VIII
Hieroglyphic inscriptions at the Ptolemaic temple reveal that King Ptolemy VIII, who ruled during the 2nd century BCE, was responsible for the decoration of the pylon. He also likely ordered its construction. Ptolemy VIII was the younger son of King Ptolemy V and Queen Cleopatra I. He was known for his political prowess and the military conflict he had with his older siblings, Ptolemy VI and Cleopatra II.
The Ptolemaic period lasted from 305 to 30 BCE. It began when Alexander the Great appointed one of his generals, Ptolemy I, to rule over ancient Egypt. Alexander, a ruler of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon, had conquered Persian-controlled Egypt in 332 BCE. Afterward, Greek and Egyptian cultures became more integrated, which is reflected in the remains of ancient art and architecture. The Ptolemaic dynasty went on to become the longest—and the last—dynasty of ancient Egypt before its incorporation into the Roman Republic.
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What Is the Athribis Archaeological Site?
Athribis, an ancient city in Lower Egypt, was most powerful during the Ptolemaic era, but it remained occupied through the Roman and Byzantine periods. The city was once an important hub for the worship of the god Min-Re, his wife, the lion-headed goddess Repyt, and their son, the child god Kolanthes. The archaeological site of Athribis is located near modern-day Sohag, Egypt. It is about 25 miles north of Cairo on the eastern bank of the Damietta branch of the Nile River. The site spans over 74 acres and includes a main temple complex, various settlements, necropolises, and ancient quarries. Archaeologists have periodically worked on Athribis since the 19th century—and consistently since 2003—but it has yet to be fully excavated.
