Ancient secrets unveiled: Athribis temple discovery expands historic understanding
Could the cliffs in Athribis once have been the site of a sanctuary? Archaeologists from the University of Tübingen, in collaboration with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, have uncovered significant clues during their excavations.
Groundbreaking reports have emerged from Egypt. In the ancient town of Athribis, near the modern city of Sohag, the research team recently discovered an ancient Egyptian temple with an entrance hidden in the cliff, reports the University of Tübingen. The photo above shows the temple's northern tower with the newly discovered chamber. During excavation work at the stone temple, numerous bas-reliefs were also found.
A temple discovered in honor of the lioness goddess?
The hieroglyphs encountered by the researchers depict King Ptolemy VIII, who reigned between 170 and 116 BCE, offering sacrifices to the goddess Repit, depicted with a lion's face, and her son Kolanthes. According to Prof. Christian Leitz from the University of Tübingen, who leads the project, the temple may have been specially dedicated to Repit, although its name remains unknown. The team plans to continue excavations to uncover more details.
Under the temple, a new chamber was also found (approximately 6 metres long and 3 metres wide), which originally stored temple equipment and later amphorae—clay vessels with distinctive two handles and narrow necks. Bas-reliefs of Repit and Min-Ra were discovered at the entrance to the chamber, with representations of Min-Ra accompanied by two statues—decans. As reported by Prof. Leitz from the German University of Tübingen, the decans possessed human bodies and animal heads, one in the form of a falcon and the other an ibis, while in other temples, decans are usually accompanied by a larger number of gods.
The temple complex in Athribis, near Luxor in Egypt
Excavation work around the Egyptian city of Sohag, about 200 kilometres north of Luxor, has been ongoing since 2012. As part of the "Athribis Project," archaeologists have been taking a closer look at the ancient temple since 2022. Researchers are trying to fully uncover the mysteries of the temple district, which was built between 144 BCE and 138 CE. The entire archaeological complex spans over 30 hectares and comprises a temple site, settlement, necropolis, and quarries. There remain areas that are still under investigation yet to be uncovered.
