Massive ancient Roman military fortress uncovered in one of Egypts 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. 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 ...