Hyksos-Era Settlement and Tombs Discovered by Archaeologists in Eastern Egypt

Major Find in Eastern Egypt: A Glimpse into Hyksos Rule

According to НВ — Техно: On July 2, a team of archaeologists working in eastern Egypt uncovered an ancient settlement and tombs at the site of Tel El-Koa, dating back to the 15th Dynasty. The discoveries include a residential complex measuring roughly 30 by 60 meters, with mudbrick walls about 1.5 meters thick. Within the settlement, researchers also found ovens and storage rooms. A total of ten mudbrick tombs of varying sizes and orientations were excavated. Evidence suggests the settlement remained active until the middle of the 18th Dynasty.

What These Finds Reveal

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy stated that 'the excavations paint a fuller picture of this site’s role as an integrated settlement, comprising residential quarters, storage facilities, production zones, and burial grounds.'

Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, highlighted the strategic importance of Tel El-Koa, located along the Wadi Tumilat corridor: 'This is one of the main routes connecting the eastern Delta to Egypt’s eastern border.'

Mohamed Abdel Badi, head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, reported that skeletons of individuals aged approximately 25 to 40 years were uncovered during the dig. Mustafa Hassan, director of the Ismailia Archaeological Zone and head of the excavation, emphasized that 'the archaeological evidence indicates the settlement remained inhabited until the middle of the 18th Dynasty, spanning the transitional period from Hyksos rule to the establishment of the New Kingdom of Egypt.'

These findings open new avenues for studying ancient Egyptian history and its cultural heritage. The unearthed settlement could provide fresh insights into the social structure, economic ties, and daily life of the population during a time of significant transformation in Egypt. Experts note that the excavations at Tel El-Koa may mark an important milestone in researching regional history and the development of this ancient civilization.

As researchers continue to uncover the rich tapestry of Egypt's ancient past, the recent discovery of a unique tomb from the Predynastic period in the Gebel el-Tair region further emphasizes the significance of these archaeological finds. Such sites not only enhance our understanding of the Hyksos era but also highlight the continuity of settlement patterns and cultural practices throughout Egypt's history.