Cairo: The Egyptian archaeological mission affiliated with the Supreme Council of Antiquities has uncovered remnants of military fortifications, residential units for soldiers, and a trench that may indicate the existence of another fortress in the area. This discovery was made during excavation at the Tell Abu Seifa site in the North Sinai archaeological region.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy emphasized the importance of the discovery, which sheds light on the secrets of Egypt's eastern military fortifications during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. He also highlighted the strategic and industrial significance of Tell Abu Seifa throughout the ages.

Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Mohamed Ismail Khaled stated that the discovery contributes to a more accurate depiction of Egypt's eastern defensive map and reaffirms that Sinai has always been Egypt's eastern gateway and its first line of defense. He added that the mission revealed a distinct architectural design for the eastern gates of the previously discovered Ptolemaic and Roman fortresses at the site. This helps reconstruct the defensive entrance structures of that era. Additionally, a large defensive trench more than two meters deep was found at the entrance of the Ptolemaic fortress, believed to be part of a defensive system.

Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector Mohamed Abdel-Badia said that the mission also uncovered a road 11 meters wide and over 100 meters long, paved with limestone slabs, extending from outside the eastern gate of the Roman fortress into the heart of the site. He pointed out that this road was built over an older Ptolemaic-era road made of limestone slabs. More than 500 clay circles were discovered on both sides of the stone-paved road, believed to have been planting spots for trees that adorned the fortress entrance during the Ptolemaic era.

Additionally, Roman-era soldier residences were uncovered, providing a vivid picture of the daily life of stationed cavalrymen during the reigns of Emperors Diocletian and Maximian. Four large kilns used for producing quicklime were also found, suggesting that the site was transformed into an industrial center in the late Roman period, which led to the destruction of all stone structures at the site.

Head of the mission and Director General of the General Administration of Sinai Antiquities Hisham Hussein stated that the team also uncovered a trench that may indicate the presence of a third, older fortress at the site, predating the Ptolemaic and Roman fortresses. The four corners of this fortress have been identified, and efforts are underway to determine its date. Additionally, a number of rectangular buildings, built in overlapping layers and used for extended periods as living quarters during the Ptolemaic era, were also discovered.

It is worth noting that the Tell Abu Seifa site is considered one of the most strategic locations, having played a pivotal role in protecting Egypt's eastern borders. With the shifting course of the Nile and the retreat of the coastline, strategic importance moved from Tell Heboua (the ancient city of Tharu) to Tell Abu Seifa.