New Discoveries in Sinai Reveal Secrets of Egypt’s “Eastern Fortressesâ€
Military fortifications, soldier dwellings, and a massive defensive trench uncovered at Tell Abu Seifa point to the possible presence of a third ancient fortress.
The Egyptian archaeological mission affiliated with the Supreme Council of Antiquities has uncovered the remains of military fortifications, soldier barracks, and a large defensive trench suggesting the presence of a previously unknown fortress. These findings emerged during the current excavation season at the site of Tell Abu Seifa in North Sinai.
His Excellency Mr. Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, emphasized the significance of the discovery, which sheds new light on the military architecture and eastern defenses of Egypt during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. He underlined the strategic importance of Tell Abu Seifa as a military and industrial hub across the ages.
Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, stated that the discovery contributes to a more refined understanding of Egypt’s eastern defensive map. It reaffirms that the Sinai Peninsula has always been Egypt’s eastern gateway and its first line of defense.
The mission succeeded in uncovering the architectural layout of the eastern gates of the previously discovered Ptolemaic and Roman fortresses at the site. This provides valuable insight into the design of ancient defensive entryways. In addition, a massive defensive trench—more than two meters deep—was found at the entrance of the Ptolemaic fortress. The trench is believed to have been part of a defensive system that could be neutralized or controlled during times of threat.
Mr. Mohamed Abdel-Badie, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, noted that the team also uncovered an 11-meter-wide road, extending for more than 100 meters. The road, paved with limestone slabs, runs from the eastern gate of the Roman fortress into the heart of the site. It was constructed atop an earlier Ptolemaic road, also paved in limestone.
More than 500 circular clay pits were discovered on both sides of this ancient road. These are believed to have once held trees, planted to decorate the fortress entrance during the Ptolemaic period. The team also revealed Roman-era soldiers’ dwellings, offering rare insights into the daily life of the garrisons stationed at the fortress during the reigns of Emperors Diocletian and Maximian.
The excavations further uncovered four large kilns used for the production of quicklime, evidence that the site evolved into an industrial center in the later Roman period—a transformation that likely led to the destruction of the stone structures that had once stood there.
Dr. Hesham Hussein, head of the mission and Director General of Sinai Antiquities, revealed that the team also identified the remains of what may be an even earlier, third fortress. A newly discovered trench, along with four corner structures, suggest the presence of a fortress predating the known Ptolemaic and Roman ones. The mission is currently working to determine its dating. Additionally, several rectangular mudbrick buildings were unearthed, built in tightly packed overlapping layers. These were long-term residential units used during the Ptolemaic period.
Tell Abu Seifa is one of the most strategic archaeological sites in Sinai, having played a critical role in securing Egypt’s eastern frontier. As the course of the Nile and the shoreline shifted over time, the regional importance shifted from Tell Hebua—ancient Tharu, the gateway to Egypt—to the emerging stronghold of Tell Abu Seifa.
