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Lost Golden City of So’oud Aten: Unearthing Daily Life in Ancient Egypt
SO’OUD ATEN, Egypt — A familiar narrative echoes through time: a leader’s decree disrupts the lives of ordinary people, compelling them into exodus. In ancient Egypt, the reign of Pharaoh Akhenaten embodies this tale. Over 3,300 years ago, driven by his resolve to shift his populace away from polytheism, Akhenaten commanded the inhabitants of So’oud Aten to abandon their homes and workshops. The residents were instructed to seal their dwellings with mud bricks and relocate to a newly established city, according to prominent Egyptologist Zahi Hawass, in a recent statement to news outlets. This significant archaeological discovery at So’oud Aten, near Luxor, reveals fascinating insights into daily life in ancient Egypt during the rule of Pharaoh Akhenaten.
Pharaoh’s Decree and Swift Exodus
“When the ruler makes a decision, absolute compliance is expected,” Hawass emphasized. “Such was the power of the pharaoh.” The urgency of their departure is evidenced by the numerous artifacts left behind. Archaeologists are currently recovering a wealth of relics, including jewelry, pottery, children’s footwear and playthings, and even a pizza peel, remarkably similar to those used by modern Egyptian bakers. This trove of everyday objects offers a unique window into the hurried abandonment of the city. News sources were granted exclusive access to observe these recent excavations at this significant ancient Egyptian site.
Mysteries Remain in the Lost City
Despite the ongoing excavations, many aspects of this lost city, rediscovered just four years ago during a search for a mortuary temple, remain enigmatic. Egyptologists are still puzzled by certain findings, such as the purpose of a fish encased in gold.
Sekhmet Statues and the Golden Age
“Its meaning eludes current understanding,” Hawass admitted. Approximately 500 statues of Sekhmet, the Egyptian goddess of healing, have also been unearthed at the location, which Hawass has christened the “lost golden city,” reflecting its prosperity during Egypt’s golden age. This archaeological site is providing invaluable information about this era.
Modern Day Desert and Ancient Lake
Today, the site is a quiet desert landscape, enclosed by a metal perimeter fence and accessed via a dusty path. Archaeologists continue their work under the desert sun. An artificial lake, complete with boat moorings, was recently excavated, suggesting its use for transporting goods to and from the Nile River.
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Strategic Location Near Luxor
The city’s location near Luxor, an ancient metropolis in central Egypt, amplifies its historical importance. It is situated amidst renowned historical landmarks, including the Colossi of Memnon, Madinat Habu Temple, and the Ramesseum. During the 18th dynasty, this region was the heart of royal Egypt. This discovery near Luxor further enriches our understanding of ancient Egyptian history.
Insights into Daily Life and High Living Standards
Hawass, former Egyptian Minister of Antiquities, notes that So’oud Aten provides crucial insights into the elevated living standards of artisans and craftsmen, as well as “the daily life of the people.” Evidence of affluence is seen in the discovery of “numerous showers inside the houses,” he stated.
Administrative Buildings Unearthed
Recent months have also revealed a complex of administrative buildings, resembling a police station or civic center, further illustrating the organized nature of the city.
“A Snapshot in Time”
Salima Ikram, Professor of Egyptology at the American University of Cairo, describes the site as “a snapshot in time.” Workmen seemingly abandoned their tasks abruptly, leaving their tools and materials behind. “Their possessions are scattered around. They were in the process of crafting, perhaps preparing animal hides or cutting sandals, when suddenly, everything changed,” she explained.
Religious Shift and Sun Worship
Another significant find is a sun image etched onto a wall within the city’s industrial quarter, where spinning, leather production, and jewelry crafting took place. This imagery suggests an evolution in religious beliefs, according to Hawass.
Akhenaten and Monotheism
Akhenaten’s pivotal decree mandated the exclusive worship of Aten, represented by the sun, marking what some consider to be the earliest known instance of monotheism.
Henotheism Interpretation
However, scholars like Ikram interpret Akhenaten’s religious shift as henotheism – the worship of a primary god while acknowledging the existence of others.
Opposition from Priests
Hawass explained that Akhenaten was “despised” by traditional religious priests who benefited from the worship of multiple deities.
The Rise of Aten City
Driven by his religious conviction, Akhenaten sought a new location to venerate Aten, ultimately choosing a site now known as Tell-el Amarna, situated approximately 200 miles south of Cairo. He named this new capital “Rise of Aten,” believing his father, Amenhotep III, who ruled Egypt from 1391 to 1353 B.C., inspired its construction.
Queen Nefertiti’s Presence
Queen Nefertiti, Akhenaten’s renowned wife, would have been a prominent figure in this era, walking the streets alongside the pharaoh, Hawass added.
Religious Revolution
Yasmin El Shazly, Deputy Director of the American Research Center in Egypt, which partially funded the excavation, described the move as a “religious revolution.” “During Amenhotep III’s reign, solar religion gained prominence. Evidence of Aten worship emerged, alongside other deities, indicating a transition, not yet full monotheism,” she noted.
Taboo of Other Gods
Mentioning traditional deities, even the major god Amun, became “almost forbidden” during Akhenaten’s reign, she added.
City’s Continued Use and Unanswered Questions
Following Akhenaten’s death, So’oud Aten continued to be utilized by subsequent pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, whose famed tomb was discovered in the Valley of the Kings in 1922. The sentiments of the citizens regarding their relocation from So’oud Aten remain uncertain.
Preserving Homes for Return?
The sealed doorways suggest a belief in their eventual return and a desire to “keep their homes safe,” Hawass speculated.
Pharaoh’s Unquestionable Authority
Ultimately, dissent against the pharaoh was unthinkable. “No one could challenge the king’s authority,” Hawass concluded.