First Pharaonic temple in Sinai discovered along ancient Horous route
Egypt, History, 12/25/2001

Recent excavations at Tel Habwa, an archaeological site in Cantara Sharq have proved the presence of a rare Pharaonic temple made of sun-dried brick.

According to Dr Mohamed Abdul Maqssoud, head of Lower Egypt Antiquities, the temple that occupies an area of 2400 metres was the first ancient Egyptian temple to be discovered in North Sinai along the old military route known as Horous.

The temple was unearthed at the city of Taro which was considered the eastern Egyptian gate through the Delta, as illustrated by the inscriptions on the statues discovered inside the temple.

North Sinai had witnessed limited commercial activities in the Old Kingdom and the Intermediate State.

It was not until Egypt was attacked by the Hyksos that it realized the importance of reinforcing the eastern borders on the old Horous route.

The area was then fortified by a series of castles and fortresses.

Dr Abdul Maqssoud said that Horous route starts from the modern city of Qantara Sharq to Rafah.

Illustrations of the route are inscribed on the walls of Al Karnak in Luxor where King Siti was officially received at Taro Citadel (Tel Habwa citadel).

The mural inscription of Al Karnak also illustrated a number of citadels built along the road.

Modern excavations are still discovering these fortresses described at Al Karnak Temple complex.

King Siti I was not the only royalty to use the road and determine its features.

There was also Ramsis II and Tohotmos III who used the route to secure the eastern borders.

Archaeologist Ramadan Helmi explains that the temple is built of sun-dried brick except for some parts of the floor.

He added that the walls of the temple were 4 metres thick while the temple itself was surrounded by a ten-metre thick wall.

Inside the temple there was a number of bronze statues representing god Osoris.

He added that a number of units that changed the original plan of the temple were added in a latter stage giving proof that the worship of the god of the temple was revived up until late Pharaonic ages.

During excavations several items were found, said Mr. Helmi, including a double statue of black granite representing a couple standing arm in arm.

An incomplete statue of sand stone perhaps representing a priest in a kneeling position offering sacrifice wasfound.

In addition, there were a number of bronze amulets of f god Osoris, a granite mass that was prepared for sculpturing, an amulet for god Horous and a bronze coin that dates back to the ptolemic age.

The found artifacts were all moved to the display storehouse at Qantara Sharq.

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