A joint Egyptian-Chinese archaeological mission by Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, Peking University and the Shandong Institute of Archeology has led to a new archaeological discovery in Tel Aziz, near Mit Rahina, in the Giza area of Egypt. Scholars have brought to light a limestone structure that would have been part of the temple of Pharaoh Apries (598-570 BC), ruler of the XXVI dynasty (6th century BC), reigning in the period of Egyptian history known as the Late Period, during which the country was under Greek and Persian influence.
The site is located in the area of ancient Memphis, one of the most important cities in Egyptian history. According to archaeologists, the southern area of Tel Aziz was part of the urban heart of the city. The temple would not have been used only at the time of Apries, but would have continued to be frequented for centuries, until the Greco-Roman period: a sign of the long religious continuity of the place, as happened in numerous other sites in Egypt.
Among the most relevant finds are five headless sphinxes and several stone blocks with hieroglyphic inscriptions dedicated to the god Ptah, main deity of Memphis, protector of architects and craftsmen. Cartouches (inscriptions with the ruler’s name) with Apries’ name have also emerged, as well as everyday objects such as ceramics, glass and copper coins. The discovery helps to reconstruct the city plan and to better understand the religious and urban life of Memphis between the Late Period and Roman times. Excavations will resume in April, with the aim of bringing new structures to light and further clarifying the history of this ancient centre.
