Athribis, Egypt – Archaeologists have made a significant discovery at the ancient Egyptian site of Athribis, located approximately 125 miles north of Luxor. A massive temple pylon measuring 150 feet wide has been unearthed, providing new insights into ancient Egypt's religious practices and architectural styles.
The pylon, constructed of sandstone blocks, is a testament to the grandeur of the Ptolemaic dynasty, a Macedonian royal family that ruled Egypt from 323 to 30 BCE. Founded by Ptolemy I Soter, one of Alexander the Great's generals, the Ptolemaic dynasty was known for its cultural and scientific achievements. While Greek in origin, the Ptolemies embraced Egyptian culture and traditions, often depicting themselves as pharaohs in Egyptian art and religious ceremonies. They built magnificent structures like the Library of Alexandria and the Lighthouse of Alexandria, renowned throughout the ancient world.
The site of Athribis, dedicated to worshipping the gods Min-Re, Repyt, and Kolanthes, has been the focus of archaeological excavations for over 20 years. The newly discovered pylon, with its intricate reliefs and hieroglyphs, offers valuable insights into the religious beliefs and practices of the ancient Egyptians during the Ptolemaic era.
The discovery, made by a joint Egyptian-German team, is considered a significant milestone. The slope angle of the towers suggests that the original height of the pylon could have reached up to 18 meters, rivalling the dimensions of the Luxor Temple pylon.
As excavations continue, archaeologists hope to uncover more hidden treasures and unravel the mysteries of this ancient site.
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