Recent archaeological findings in Sinai uncover the hidden secrets of the "Eastern Fortresses."

During its current excavation season at the Tel Abu Saifi site in North Sinai, the Egyptian archaeological mission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities uncovered remnants of military fortifications, soldier housing units, and a trench suggesting the potential presence of another fortress in the area.

Mr. Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, emphasized the significance of this discovery, noting that it reveals valuable insights into Egypt’s eastern military fortifications during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods, and highlights Tel Abu Saifi’s historical role as a key military and industrial hub across different eras.

Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, stated that this discovery helps create a clearer understanding of Egypt’s defensive layout along its eastern borders and reinforces the idea that Sinai has long served as the nation's eastern gateway and primary line of defense.

He further explained that the mission successfully uncovered a unique architectural design for the eastern gates of the Ptolemaic and Roman fortresses previously discovered at the site. This finding aids in reconstructing the appearance of the defensive entrances from that era. Additionally, they uncovered a large defensive trench, over two meters deep, at the entrance to the Ptolemaic fortress, which is thought to have been part of a defense system that could be deactivated in the face of a threat.

Mr. Mohamed Abdel Badie, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, noted that the mission also uncovered a road, 11 meters wide and over 100 meters long, paved with limestone tiles. This road extends from the eastern gate of the Roman fortress to the center of the site. He pointed out that this road was built over an older one from the Ptolemaic era, also constructed with limestone tiles.

Over 500 mud circles were also uncovered on both sides of the stone road, likely used for planting trees that adorned the entrance to the castle during the Ptolemaic period. The excavation also revealed the dwellings of Roman soldiers, providing a vivid glimpse into the daily life of the soldiers stationed at the Roman fortress during the reigns of Emperor Diocletian and Emperor Maximian. Additionally, four large furnaces used for producing quicklime were discovered, suggesting that the site became an industrial center towards the end of the Roman era, which eventually led to the destruction of all stone structures at the site.

Dr. Hisham Hussein, head of the mission and director general of the General Administration of Sinai Antiquities, reported that the mission also uncovered a moat, which could suggest the existence of an even older castle at the site, predating the Ptolemaic and Roman fortresses. The four pillars of this castle have been discovered, and its dating is currently being determined. Additionally, several rectangular buildings in overlapping layers were found, which were used as living quarters for extended periods during the Ptolemaic period.

It is important to note that the site of Tell Abu Saifi is a key strategic location that played a crucial role in safeguarding Egypt's eastern borders. As the course of the Nile River shifted and the coastline receded, the significance of the site moved from Tell Haboua (the Pharaonic city of Tharo) to Tell Abu Saifi.