Egyptian
archaeologists made the surprise discoveries recently at the temples of Karnak
and Kom Ombo. Wriiten By/ Nevine El-Aref.
Egyptian
archaeological missions in Upper Egypt have made two rare discoveries,
unearthing a marble head of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius in Aswan and an
unusually positioned Osirian temple in Luxor.
The
Luxor discovery was made at the southern side of Karnak Temples’ tenth pylon,
with archaeologists revealing architectural elements of a Late Period shrine
dedicated for god Osiris-Ptah-Neb.
The
well-preserved find consists of an entrance, foundation remains, columns, inner
walls and ruins of a third hall located at the eastern side. Paving stones from
the shrine floor were also uncovered, along with other extension structures
built during a later period.
Essam
Nagy, head of the archaeological mission, described the discovery as important
because the shrine is not located on the eastern or northern side of the
Amun-Re temple in line with the ancient Egyptian belief. Rather, it is on the
southern side, pointing to the importance of the Osirian belief at that time.
Also
uncovered were a collection of clay pots, remains of statues, and a winged
frame relief decorated with offering tables bearing a sheep and a goose. The
relief, Nagy said, bears the name of kings Taharka and Tanut Amun, the last
ruler of the 25th Dynasty.
In
Aswan, meanwhile, an Egyptian mission working to reduce the subterranean water
level at Kom Ombo Temple uncovered a marble head of the Roman Emperor Marcus
Aurelius.
Aymen
Ashmawi, head of the ancient Egyptian Sector at the Ministry of Antiquities,
told Ahram Online that the head depicts Emperor Aurelius with wavy hair and
beard. He describes the head as "unique", saying that statues of the
Roman ruler are rare. The
head is now in the archaeological store, awaiting restoration and preservation
work.
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