Archaeologists have unearthed the remains of a 3,000-year-old fort in northwestern Egypt, revealing a glimpse into the defensive strategies employed by the ancient Egyptian kingdom against invasions from the Libyan tribes and the enigmatic “Sea Peoples” from the eastern Mediterranean. This discovery, announced by Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, is located at the Tell Al-Abqain site on the Nile’s western Delta.
The excavated fort, dating back to the New Kingdom era (1550 BCE – 1070 BCE), consists of a series of mudbrick structures that include military barracks, storerooms, and an array of personal artifacts. These ruins were meticulously designed, featuring two symmetrical sections separated by a narrow passage, a layout that showcases the architectural ingenuity of ancient Egyptian engineers.
Defensive Structures and Daily Life
The fort’s design suggests it was a vital military outpost along Egypt’s western frontier, aimed at guarding the kingdom from external threats. One section of the fort functioned as a storeroom, holding provisions like weapons, food, and other essentials for the stationed soldiers. Archaeologists uncovered large granaries, cylindrical pottery ovens, and jars filled with animal bones and fish remains, highlighting the soldiers’ diet and the fort’s role in sustaining military life.
The second section served as barracks, where soldiers lived and kept personal items. Among the fascinating finds were protective amulets, scarabs, jewelry, and hygiene tools, including kohl makeup applicators made from ivory. These artifacts offer a glimpse into the daily lives, beliefs, and practices of the fort’s occupants.
Key Artifacts: Bronze Sword and Royal Inscriptions
One of the most significant discoveries at the site was a long bronze sword, adorned with the cartouche of King Ramesses II. This intricately decorated weapon underscores the fort’s strategic importance during Ramesses’ reign, when Egypt faced threats from both the Libyan tribes and the Sea Peoples. Two limestone blocks were also unearthed, one inscribed with the titles of King Ramesses II and another with the name of an official called “Bay,” adding historical context to the site.
In addition to the weaponry, researchers found hunting tools, scarabs engraved with deities like Amun and Ptah, and personal adornments, including carnelian and faience beads. These objects shed light on the soldiers’ spiritual and cultural lives, as well as the fort’s broader significance within the New Kingdom’s military and social structures.
A Vital Defense Against Ancient Invaders
The discovery of this fort corroborates previous research that the collapse of several dominant civilizations around 1200 BCE may have been triggered by raids from the mysterious Sea Peoples, whose origins remain unclear. Scholars believe these raiders attempted to invade Egypt but eventually settled in parts of the Mediterranean.
This latest excavation offers new insights into the vital role that fortifications like the one at Tell Al-Abqain played in protecting the ancient Egyptian kingdom. It also highlights the sophistication of Egypt’s military infrastructure and the strategic importance of its northern borders.
The discovery of this 3,000-year-old fort adds another chapter to our understanding of ancient Egypt’s defense mechanisms, further illuminating the kingdom’s resilience against foreign invasions.
