Ancient fortified city unearthed
2008-05-28 19:12
Cairo - Egypt's antiquities authority says archaeologists have unearthed 3 000-year-old remains of the largest ancient Egyptian fortified city while exploring an old military road in Sinai that once connected Egypt to Palestine.
Zahi Hawass, chief of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, said on Wednesday that archaeologists unearthed relief of King Thutmose II (1516-1504 BC), thought to be the first such royal monument found in Sinai. It indicates that Thutmose II may have built a fort in the area.
A 500-by-250 meter mud brick fort with several 4m high towers dating to King Ramses II (1304-1237 BC) were unearthed in the same area, he said.
The ancient military road known as "Way of Horus" is close to present-day Rafah which borders the Gaza Strip.
- AP