A tree-lined road, flanked by 500 trees leading to Tell Abu Saifi, has illuminated the significant activity once present at this formidable military fortress, a key stronghold for ancient Egypt on its eastern border.
For decades, Egyptologists have known of Tell Abu Saifi’s existence; however, recent excavations continue to unearth the secrets buried beneath the sands of time in the Sinai desert.
Tell Abu Sifi. Image: Arab Republic of Egypt Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
Spearheaded by Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, the latest investigation at the site has concentrated on two primary fortresses dating back to the Ptolemaic and Roman periods, which highlight the enduring strategic importance of Tell Abu Saifi throughout the ages.
Dr Mohammed Ismail Khaled, Secretary General of the High Council of Archaeology, stated in a Facebook post that the discoveries of defence fortifications have enabled the archaeological team to create a precise map of the Egyptian empire’s eastern gateway.
A stunning and 'distinctive' architectural design of a well-established outpost has emerged, evidenced by the numerous trees, which signify the empire’s solid presence and Tell Abu Saifi’s crucial role as a military hub.
Tell Abu Sifi/Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
The eastern front of the Egyptian empire
Beyond its military function, Tell Abu Sifi acted as a vital entry point into the empire, thereby increasing its historical significance. Archaeologists have uncovered four corners of a substantial structure from an earlier period, the exact dating of which is yet to be confirmed, indicating a prior presence at the site before the Ptolemaic dynasty.
A press release detailed that the military outpost underwent multiple phases of reconstruction and remodelling over several centuries. Beginning in 305BCE, Ptolemy I, a renowned general under Alexander the Great, commanded the military forces stationed at this strategic location.
During this period, the empire faced numerous threats. When Egypt came under Roman rule between 30BCE and 642AD, the Romans took control of the site, further underscoring the necessity of safeguarding this critical point of entry.
In a Facebook post, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the monumental unearthing of a limestone-paved road, over 36 feet wide and more than half a mile long, connecting the eastern gate of the Roman fortress to the heart of the site. This Roman road was constructed upon an older pathway dating back to the Baltic era.
Among the defensive features discovered is a trench or moat, exceeding 6.6 feet in depth, which encircled the fortress to impede advancing enemies. Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, emphasised the ingenuity behind this design, noting that the trench could be rendered inoperable, according to Archaeology Mag.
Reflecting the extensive nature of the site, archaeologists have discovered soldiers’ quarters that accommodated families. Constructed in layered patterns, these buildings demonstrate continuous occupation extending into the Roman period. Dried-up dockyards from the Ptolemaic era indicate that boats were both built and repaired at this location.
The discovery of four large lime kilns, used for the production of quicklime, suggests that Tell Abu Saifi transitioned into an industrial center towards the end of the Roman era. This industrial transformation resulted in the destruction of the stone structures on site, according to the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities’ Facebook post.
“This discovery offers a deeper understanding of the defensive systems established in eastern Egypt and reaffirms Tell Abu Saifi’s historical role as both a military and industrial hub across various eras,” Egypt’s tourism and antiquities minister, Sherif Fathy, concluded in a press release.