Cairo, Aug. 17 (SANA) An Egyptian archaeological mission has uncovered new findings at the Tell Abu Seify archaeological site in Qantara East, Ismailia Governorate, strengthening the hypothesis that the site was associated with the ancient Egyptian city of Masn, mentioned in ancient Egyptian texts and sources.
The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said the excavations, conducted to document archaeological sites along the country’s eastern border and uncover the historic Way of Horus military route, led to a reinterpretation of several architectural elements found during previous seasons.
Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Hisham El-Leithy said the mission completed excavations of a massive mud-brick wall containing gateways, internal rooms and different layers.
Studies showed that the structure was the outer wall of the enclosure surrounding a temple, rather than the temple wall itself, correcting the previous interpretation of parts of the site, he said.
El-Leithy said the findings provide a strong hypothesis linking Tell Abu Seify to Masn, although further excavation and scientific studies are needed to confirm it.
Among the prominent discoveries is a massive sandstone lintel, broken into two pieces and inscribed on three sides with the titles of King Ramesses II, along with a text referring to the restoration of a statue of Horus.
Head of the archaeological mission Dr. Hisham Hussein said the current season’s findings, together with previous discoveries, support the hypothesis that Tell Abu Seify was associated with Masn, which was mentioned in ancient Egyptian sources during the New Kingdom period.
He said the site is one of the main sites along the Way of Horus military route and reveals successive military and economic functions, reflecting its strategic importance in protecting Egypt’s eastern borders and its religious significance during the Pharaonic, Ptolemaic and Roman periods.
The mission will continue excavation and research to uncover further evidence determining the site’s identity, history and role within the network of archaeological sites along the Way of Horus.
T.S /M.F
