Significant Egyptian Settlement from Tutankhamun’s Era Uncovered
In a remarkable archaeological breakthrough, a 3,400-year-old Egyptian settlement, potentially constructed during the reign of Tutankhamun’s father, has been unearthed. This discovery at Kom el-Nugus, a historical site in northern Egypt, challenges previous understandings of the area’s ancient occupation, suggesting a rich history extending back to the New Kingdom period.
Rethinking Kom el-Nugus’s Ancient Past
Previously, it was believed that Kom el-Nugus was primarily inhabited starting from the Greek Hellenistic era (circa 323-30 BC). However, the recent excavation has revealed ancient relics, including jugs, bowls, and the remnants of a structure thought to be a temple, indicating settlement origins in the 18th Dynasty (1550–1292 BC). Sylvain Dhennin, an archaeologist with the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the study’s author, suggests further exploration of this mudbrick settlement is warranted. Speaking to LiveScience, Dhennin noted, “The quality of the preserved remains, and their organized layout around a street, hint at a considerably substantial occupation.”
Evidence of Royal Connections and Potential Wine Production
Dhennin further proposed that the settlement may have been involved in wine production. This speculation arose from the finding of a vessel marked with the name Meritaten, believed to be Tutankhamun’s sister or half-sister and a daughter of Akhenaten and Nefertiti. The royal figure’s name was imprinted on an amphora, a type of vessel characterized by an oval body, a slender cylindrical neck, and two handles, possibly representing an early form of branding.
Temple of Ramesses II and Potential Military Significance
Excavations also unearthed several blocks originating from a temple dedicated to the Egyptian pharaoh Ramesses II, who reigned during the 19th Dynasty (1279-1213 BC). “The monumental structure was almost entirely dismantled, likely over time beginning in the Imperial period (30 BC–AD 476),” Dhennin stated, suggesting a possible military aspect to the settlement. She elaborated, “There was a temple, erected by King Ramesses II, alongside private funerary chapels that mention military personnel.” Dhennin added, “If the settlement indeed served a military purpose, it is plausible that it also featured a fortified wall and administrative buildings.”
Implications for Northern Egypt’s Ancient History
The new discoveries, detailed in the journal Antiquity, contribute to a “re-evaluation of the ancient history of northern Egypt.” According to Dhennin, “The unearthing of well-preserved levels and structures brings new dimensions to our understanding of this New Kingdom settlement.”
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards.
You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
Further Research and Future Excavations
Dhennin emphasized that “Much work remains to be conducted at Kom el-Nugus, through the expansion of excavations. Currently, the finds do not allow us to fully characterize the nature of the occupation.” She concluded, “Additional research is essential to further illuminate the New Kingdom history of the Mediterranean coast.” Kom el-Nugus was initially excavated in 2013, situated approximately 27 miles west of Alexandria, between the Mediterranean Sea and Lake Mariout. The newly discovered settlement was located to the north of Lake Mariout.
