Archaeologists have made a significant discovery at the Tell Al-Abqain excavation site in northwest Egypt, uncovering a 3,500-year-old military fort that once housed soldiers and stored weapons. The mudbrick structure features two identical sections, one of which was used to store daily rations for soldiers who protected the land from Sea Peoples incursions.
The team discovered a bronze sword decorated with an inscription of Ramesses II, confirming the Egyptian military’s defense against invading forces during the New Kingdom Era (1550-1070 BC). The fort’s design showcases how Egyptians adapted their building practices to meet practical needs while working within the landscape.
In addition to the warrior’s sword, archaeologists found a collection of personal items, including ivory tinsel, beads, and agate jars. They also discovered the burial of a cow, a symbol of power, abundance, and prosperity, as well as two blocks of limestone with hieroglyphic inscriptions honoring King Ramesses II and an official named Bay.
The fort’s religious or spiritual finds include scarabs engraved with inscriptions celebrating deities and flowers, such as the lotus. The discovery suggests that the stationed soldiers were successful in their protective mission before abandoning the complex, which remained lost to time until now.
Source: https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/archaeology/a62071096/archaeologists-find-egyptian-fort-ramesses-ii/