South sinai: An Egyptian archaeological mission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities working in South Sinai has discovered one of the most significant newly identified sites of exceptional historical and artistic value. The site, previously unknown, is known as the Umm Arak plateau.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy described the discovery as a major addition to Egypt’s archaeological map, reflecting the unique cultural and human richness of Sinai. He said it provides new evidence of successive civilizations in this vital part of Egypt’s land over thousands of years and emphasizes the ministry’s ongoing efforts in research, excavation, and scientific documentation in accordance with the latest international standards.
The minister added that such discoveries enhance Egypt’s standing on the cultural tourism map and open new prospects for this important sector. Hisham el Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the site is among the most important recently-discovered rock art locations. He noted the chronological and technical diversity of the rock carvings at the Umm Arak plateau makes it an open-air natural museum documenting the development of human artistic and symbolic expression from prehistoric times through to the Islamic periods, giving the site exceptional scientific importance.
Leithy added that further study and analysis of the inscriptions and drawings will continue in preparation for a comprehensive plan for the site’s protection and sustainable documentation. Mohamed Abdel Badie, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, said the discovery comes as part of ongoing survey and documentation work on rock inscriptions in South Sinai, with guidance from Sheikh Rabie Barakat, a local resident of Serabit el Khadim locality. He said this reflects the important role played by Sinai residents in supporting state efforts to preserve cultural heritage.
Badie stated the Umm Arak plateau lies in a sandy area about five kilometers north-east of the Serabit El-Khadim temple and ancient copper and turquoise mining sites. It occupies a strategic location overlooking a vast open area stretching north towards Jebel El Tih Plateau, suggesting it was used across the ages as a lookout point and a place for gathering and rest.
The Egyptian mission fully documented the site, which includes a naturally formed sandstone rock shelter extending along the eastern side of the plateau for more than 100 meters. Its depth ranges between two and three meters, while the ceiling height slopes from around one and a half meters to half a meter.
The ceiling of the rock shelter contains a large number of drawings executed in red pigment, depicting animals and various symbols still under study, alongside another group of grey-colored drawings documented for the first time. There are also numerous engravings and scenes produced using different styles and techniques, reflecting remarkable artistic richness and cultural diversity.
Archaeological survey work also uncovered a number of tools and many pottery fragments, some of which are believed to date back to the Middle Kingdom, while others date to the Roman period, specifically the third century AD, confirming the site’s continuous use over thousands of years.