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An incredible discovery in Egypt! Archaeologists have unearthed the first astronomical observatory of the Egyptian civilization, and everything they found exceeded expectations

Published 16/10/2024 ร s 15:26
Egypt, Archaeologists
Photo: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)
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Archaeologists in Egypt have made an impressive discovery in Egypt: the first astronomical observatory of ancient civilization. And the findings exceeded all expectations!

Egyptian archaeologists have revealed one of the most impressive discoveries in recent years: the first observatory astronomical of ancient Egypt. The discovery, which dates back to the 6th century BC, was announced by Egyptโ€™s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, describing it as the โ€œfirst and largestโ€ of its kind. Located in Buto, now known as Tell Al-Faraeen, in the Kafr El-Sheikh province, the discovery has been causing excitement in the archaeological community.

The leader of the excavation team, Hossam Ghonim, told Live Science that "everything we found exceeded our expectationsโ€œIndeed, the discovery is fascinating, both for its size and for the details it reveals about the ancientsโ€™ connection Egyptians with the cosmos. The excavation began three years ago, and the evidence found demonstrates the technical and spiritual advancement of this civilization.

Enigmatic structure reveals celestial secrets

An overview of the excavation site at Tell El-Faraeen, where archaeologists discovered the first known ancient Egyptian observatory.(Image credit: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)

At the center of this discovery is an L-shaped building measuring over 850 square meters. The entrance to the structure faces east and is marked by a traditional gate known as a โ€œpylon.โ€ This gate symbolized the connection between the earthly and divine worlds, and within the building, priests, called โ€œsmn pe,โ€ tracked the movement of celestial bodies, such as the sun and stars.

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Ghonim explained that the structure's position was crucial for tracking the stars. Sunlight penetrated the interior, illuminating specific points where observers took their measurements. A statue of the smn pe was found, symbolizing this intimate connection between celestial observation and Egyptian spirituality.

Initially, archaeologists believed they had found a temple. However, as the excavations continued, the team found artifacts and symbols associated with astronomy, such as the icons of Chen, Cenet, and Benu. These discoveries led to a new interpretation of the site, which was eventually identified as an astronomical observatory.

The Sundial and Egyptian Technological Advancement

Stone carvings and tools from the observatory that were used for astronomical and ceremonial purposes. (Image credit: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)

Among the most notable items found at the site was a massive sundial. According to Ghonim, this clock used the changing shadows of the sun to accurately determine sunrise, noon, and sunset.It was a simple but extremely effective technology.โ€œ, he said. Initially, the team thought the clock was part of a temple gate, but soon realized its true function.

In addition to the sundial, archaeologists also discovered an ancient timekeeping device called a โ€œmerkhet,โ€ which also dates back to the 6th century BC.

These findings are concrete evidence of the advanced astronomical techniques used by the Egyptians to determine important dates in the solar calendar, such as religious festivals, coronations of kings and the agricultural cycle.

Heaven and Earth as Sacred Carpets

Architectural elements and artifacts from the observatory site dating back to the 6th century BC (Image credit: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)

Inside the observatory, the team also found a stone with inscriptions that represented the rising and setting of the sun throughout three seasons. Ghonim explained that the ancient Egyptians viewed the Earth and the sky as โ€œtwo rugsโ€œThey mapped the sky on the โ€œThemet Hrtโ€ (the carpet of the sky) and the Earth on the โ€œThemet Ghrtโ€, which symbolized the agricultural calendar, marking events such as the flooding of the Nile and the harvests.

This stone carpet is the first of its kind ever discovered. The inscriptions reveal a deep understanding of seasonal changes and variations in day length, showing how the Egyptians integrated astronomy and agriculture.

A new vision of time and space

Another fascinating detail about the observatory is the unusual arrangement of the pillars at the entrance to the main hall. Unlike traditional temples, which have pillars at the end of the hall, this observatory had a โ€œtriad of pillarsโ€ at the entrance. According to Ghonim, this suggests that the pillars could represent the Egyptiansโ€™ tripartite division of time into seasons, months and weeks.

Even more intriguing is the fact that the observatory had two pylons โ€” a structure that symbolized the horizon, where the sun rose, known as an โ€œakhet.โ€ One important detail was the discovery of a limestone watchtower, which archaeologists believe was used to observe constellations.

Sacred symbols and spiritual legacy

In addition to astronomical discoveries, the observatory also housed artifacts of religious significance. A statue of the falcon-headed god Horus was found, as well as a representation of the โ€œeye of Horus.โ€ These symbols were closely linked to the sun and moon, connecting the systems of the universe to Egyptian mythology.

The discovery of a granite statue of King Psamtik I and a bronze figure of Osiris, the god of resurrection, also reinforces the connection between the study of the stars and spirituality in ancient Egypt. Several ceramic items found at the site, used in religious rituals, indicate that the observatory served both science and spiritual practices.

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Lilia
Lilia
20/10/2024 07:59

And very fascinating

Alexandre Caprino Lopez
Alexandre Caprino Lopez
20/10/2024 11:26

Digging and learning that there are more things in heaven and earth, than your vain philosophy can imagineโ€ฆ

Paranauรช Musical
Paranauรช Musical(@pessoalparticularoficial)
Member
20/10/2024 11:34

I can't wait to go back! To see the new museum and dream about what happened in the past.

Ricardo Rodrigues
Ricardo Rodrigues
20/10/2024 15:19

But if the Pharaohs and nobles were buried with their material possessions and also with animals and slaves, it does not seem to me to be spirituality. A very great attachment to matter!

Vicente Polano Junior
Vicente Polano Junior
20/10/2024 18:05

Unfortunately, human beings have not evolved for good, given the current situation in the world. Hatred, greed, and thirst for power are what satisfy this corrupt soul of man.
Have mercy Lord ๐Ÿ™

Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Journalist specializing in a wide range of topics, such as cars, technology, politics, shipbuilding, geopolitics, renewable energy and economics. I have been working since 2015 with prominent publications in major news portals. My degree in Information Technology Management from Faculdade de Petrolina (Facape) adds a unique technical perspective to my analyses and reports. With over 10 thousand articles published in renowned media outlets, I always seek to bring detailed information and relevant insights to the reader. For story suggestions or any questions, please contact me by email at flclucas@hotmail.com.

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