A joint Egyptian-German archaeological mission, led by Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) and the University of Tübingen, has uncovered a remarkably well-preserved Ptolemaic temple pylon on the western side of the Great Temple of Athribis in Sohag, Egypt.
The pylon, which spans 51 meters in width and originally stood up to 18 meters tall, features two towers, each 24 meters wide, flanking a central entrance gate. This monumental structure, comparable in scale to the iconic pylon of Luxor Temple, is adorned with hieroglyphic inscriptions and intricate carvings. These depict scenes of a Ptolemaic king presenting offerings to the lion-headed goddess Repyt, her consort, the fertility god Min, and their child deity Kolanthes, who were central to the religious practices at Athribis.
Dr. Mohamed Abdel Badie, head of the Egyptian mission and the Central Administration for Upper Egypt Antiquities, explained that the inscriptions provide key historical information. “Through studying the cartouches found on the gate and inner walls, we identified the temple’s construction as dating back to the reign of Ptolemy VIII,” he said. Known for his complex political career and controversial rule from 170 to 116 BCE, Ptolemy VIII’s reign is further highlighted by possible references to Queen Cleopatra III within the inscriptions.
The Athribis site, once a vibrant religious and administrative center, stretches over 74 acres and encompasses temple complexes, settlements, necropolises, and quarries. Excavations at the site have been ongoing for decades. This recent find follows earlier work by British archaeologist Flinders Petrie in the early 20th century, who partially uncovered the southern chamber of the temple.
Dr. Christian Leitz, co-leader of the German team, noted depictions of celestial deities used to measure nighttime hours. Markus Müller, site director for the German mission, added that a previously unknown staircase leading to a now-destroyed upper floor was also discovered. The team estimates the floor was destroyed around 752 CE, marking a significant timeline in the temple’s history.
The Ptolemaic period (305–30 BCE) was marked by the rule of a Greek dynasty founded by Ptolemy I Soter, a general of Alexander the Great. This era witnessed an integration of Greek and Egyptian cultures, reflected in the art, architecture, and religious practices of the time. The rulers adopted Egyptian customs and portrayed themselves as pharaohs, while introducing Greek language and traditions.
Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the SCA, hailed the discovery as a “breakthrough,” adding, “This is the first nucleus for unveiling the remaining elements of the temple.” Khaled also noted the mission’s plans to continue excavations, with the support of the SCA and directives from Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathi.
The ongoing Athribis project has yielded significant discoveries, including over 30,000 ostraca bearing Demotic, Coptic, and Hieratic texts. As excavations persist, the team hopes to uncover additional features of the temple complex.
