Archaeologists have unearthed the ruins of a significant ancient astronomical observatory in the town of Buto, located in the Kafr El Sheikh governorate. This newly discovered site, dating back more than 2,500 years, was once the largest known observatory in Egypt during the 6th century BCE. It formed part of the larger Temple of the Pharaohs complex, where ancient Egyptian astronomers meticulously tracked celestial movements.
The observatory, built of mud bricks, spanned an area of 850 square meters (9,150 square feet) and featured an L-shaped layout supported by pillars, with an entrance facing east towards the sunrise. Within its walls, a wealth of artifacts related to ancient Egyptian astronomy was found, showcasing the advanced skills and knowledge of these early astronomers.
Among the significant discoveries was a large sloping shadow clock, a type of sundial used by the Egyptians to measure time from dawn until dusk. This clock, constructed from limestone slabs, consisted of five flat limestone blocks arranged in a course, where lines would have been inscribed to track the Sun’s movement throughout the day.
In addition to the shadow clock, archaeologists uncovered a circular room with a large stone block and two circular stone blocks used for tracking the Sun’s inclination. The observatory also contained a series of smaller rooms likely used for storing astronomical tools and a tower where observations were conducted.
The site revealed a large hall adorned with murals, including a depiction of a ritual boat associated with the deities Horus and Wadjet, key figures in ancient Egyptian cosmology. A stone platform in the hall featured inscriptions of astronomical scenes, including sunrise and sunset during the three seasons observed in ancient Egypt.
Other artifacts found at the site included bronze statues of Osiris and Nemes, a terracotta statue of the god Bes, and a granite statue dating back to the 26th Dynasty. These discoveries provide valuable insights into the religious and astronomical practices of the time.
The significance of astronomy in ancient Egypt cannot be overstated. It played a crucial role in the development of their complex calendar, which marked religious and political events, agricultural cycles, and the annual flooding of the Nile. The engineering marvels of sites like this observatory allowed ancient Egyptians to leave a lasting legacy, one that continues to influence our understanding of time and the cosmos today.
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