A Landmark Archaeological Discovery
After two years of extensive archaeological efforts, a remarkable discovery has been made in Egypt. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, in collaboration with the Supreme Council of Antiquities, has successfully completed an ambitious project to revive the "Ancient City of Gold." This initiative has led to the documentation and preservation of a gold mining site that dates back over 3,000 years.
Unearthing a Historic Gold Mine
Located in the Sakari Mountain region, northwest of Marsa Alam in the Red Sea province, this ancient gold mining complex has been safeguarded through the cooperation of archaeological authorities and the management of the modern Sakari gold mine. This collaboration ensures that historical heritage remains protected amidst contemporary mining operations.
The excavation project involved detailed surveys, restoration efforts, and the relocation of architecturally significant structures. Many of these ancient remains were carefully transported three kilometers north of their original location to prevent damage from ongoing mining activities.
Insights into Ancient Gold Extraction Techniques
Archaeologists have uncovered a meticulously structured mining field, revealing an advanced gold extraction system. The site contained specialized workshops designed for processing gold extracted from quartz veins. Evidence suggests a sophisticated process involving crushing and grinding quartz, filtering and sedimentation in designated basins, and ultimately melting the material in clay furnaces to produce pure gold.
Architectural and Cultural Discoveries
Beyond mining facilities, excavations have unveiled residential quarters, workshops, religious temples, administrative buildings, and bathhouses from the Ptolemaic era. Architectural remains from the Roman and Islamic periods further illustrate the site's long-standing significance throughout history.
One of the most intriguing finds is a collection of 628 ostraca—inscribed ceramic fragments—featuring texts in both hieroglyphics and Greek. These inscriptions highlight the linguistic and cultural diversity of the era. Additionally, researchers have uncovered Ptolemaic bronze coins, terracotta figurines representing humans and animals, and small stone sculptures of deities such as Bastet and Harpocrates.
Preservation and Future Exhibition Plans
The site also yielded four dedicatory altars from the Ptolemaic period and a variety of ceramic vessels used for daily activities, including perfume storage, medicinal concoctions, and incense burning. Precious gemstones and decorative ornaments further attest to the community's craftsmanship.
To preserve and showcase these findings, archaeologists have reconstructed major structures within a 9,375-square-meter replica area. A modern visitor center has also been established, featuring high-resolution screens displaying excavation footage and key discoveries. Informational panels narrate the history and significance of the site within Egypt’s long tradition of gold mining.
A Window into Egypt's Gold Mining Legacy
This discovery sheds new light on the sophisticated mining techniques used by ancient Egyptians and offers valuable insights into the social, religious, and economic life of mining communities in the Eastern Desert. The findings confirm Egypt's historical role as a major gold production center dating back to the time of the pharaohs, reinforcing its importance in global archaeology and heritage preservation.
