Ancient Fortifications & Soldier Quarters Unearthed in North Sinai

 

 

 

The Egyptian archaeological mission, under the Supreme Council of Antiquities, has uncovered the remains of ancient military fortifications, residential units for soldiers, and a defensive trench at the Tell Abu Seifa site in North Sinai during its current excavation season, possibly pointing to the existence of a third fortress.

 

 

 

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, emphasized the significance of this discovery, which sheds new light on Egypt’s eastern military defenses during the Ptolemaic and Roman eras. He highlighted Tell Abu Seifa’s enduring role as a strategic military and industrial center throughout history.

 

 

 

Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, noted that the find enhances our understanding of Egypt’s defensive map along its eastern borders and reaffirms Sinai’s status as Egypt’s historic eastern gateway and first line of defense.

 

 

 

The mission has revealed the architectural layout of the eastern gates of both previously discovered Ptolemaic and Roman fortresses. They also unearthed a massive defensive trench over two meters deep at the Ptolemaic fortress entrance, believed to be part of a strategic system that could be activated or deactivated in times of threat.

 

Mr. Mohamed Abdel Badi, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, added that the team also uncovered an 11-meter-wide, 100-meter-long limestone-paved road stretching from the eastern gate of the Roman fortress into the heart of the site. Interestingly, it was built atop an older Ptolemaic road.

 

Over 500 circular clay pits were found lining the road, likely once used to plant trees that adorned the fortress entrance during the Ptolemaic period. Remains of Roman-era soldier barracks were also found, providing insight into the daily lives of troops stationed there during the reigns of Emperors Diocletian and Maximian. Additionally, four large lime kilns point to the site’s transformation into an industrial hub by the end of the Roman period—an expansion that led to the destruction of earlier stone structures.

 

Dr. Hesham Hussein, head of the mission and General Director of Sinai Antiquities, reported the discovery of another trench that may suggest the presence of an even older fortress, predating both the Ptolemaic and Roman ones. The mission has uncovered its four corners and is currently working to determine its age. They also unearthed tightly packed rectangular buildings from the Ptolemaic period that served as long-term residences.

 

Tell Abu Seifa stands as a historically strategic site, once central to protecting Egypt’s eastern frontier. As the Nile’s course shifted and the coastline receded, the region’s importance transitioned from the ancient city of Tharu at Tell Hebua to Tell Abu Seifa.