Ancient Roman Fortifications Unearthed at Strategic Egyptian Site Near Suez Canal

Archaeologists have unearthed a sprawling military complex at Egypt’s Tell Abu Sefeh site, revealing ancient fortifications from the Ptolemaic and Roman eras. Located in North Sinai near Ismailia and the Suez Canal, this strategic stronghold once guarded Egypt’s eastern borders, a vital defensive line in antiquity.

The excavation exposed remnants of soldiers’ quarters, a deep defensive trench, and signs of another potential fortress. Aerial images showcase the site’s sophisticated layout, complete with artifacts like basins and pots. A striking find includes over 500 clay circles along a stone road, likely used to plant trees that framed the fortress entrance during the Ptolemaic period.

The site also tells a story of evolution. Under Emperors Diocletian and Maximian, the Roman fortress housed cavalry, with residences offering a glimpse into their daily lives. By the late Roman era, the site morphed into an industrial hub, with large kilns producing quicklime, though this led to the destruction of many stone structures.

A 330-foot-long, 36-foot-wide limestone-paved road, built over an older Ptolemaic path, stretches from the fortress’s eastern gate to its core, highlighting the site’s enduring significance. Egyptian officials, including Minister Sherif Fathy, emphasize that Tell Abu Sefeh underscores Egypt’s military and industrial prowess across centuries, with its eastern gates and defensive designs offering fresh insights into ancient defense systems.

This discovery, announced by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, joins recent finds like a false door tomb and a 3,000-year-old mining complex, further illuminating Egypt’s rich historical tapestry.