Thursday March 28th, 2024
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Discovery in Matariya's Sun Temple Unveils Relics From Khufu's Reign

The mission found a number of relics in the Temple of the Sun, including granite blocks that date back to the reign of King Khufu.

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The joint Egyptian-German archaeological mission working in Matariya (known in ancient time as Heliopolis) discovered a number of relics in the Temple of the Sun, including granite blocks that date back to the reign of King Khufu, the foundations of the temple's courtyard, and a number of statues and altars from the New Kingdom. 


According to Mustafa Waziri, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, this is the first time that relics from King Khufu's reign have been discovered in the Ain Shams area.


The recently discovered objects are thought to be parts of an undiscovered structure or may have been transported from the Giza pyramids area to be utilised as building materials during the Ramesside era, when similar stones were widely employed.


Remaining pieces from the base of a statue of King Ahmose II were also revealed, in addition to many altars from the late period in which sacrificial practices were made.


The expedition also succeeded in exposing fragments of sarcophagi and altars from the eras of Kings Amenemhat IV, Sobekhotep IV, Seti I, Osorkon I, Takelot I, and Psamtik I, as well as a sculptural model made of quartz in the shape of King Amenhotep II.