Ihnasya el-Medina Reveals New Discoveries Highlighting Its Religious and Cultural Diversity Across the Ages
An Egyptian archaeological mission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities has uncovered a series of new finds at Ihnasya el-Medina in Beni Suef Governorate, further illuminating the city’s religious, cultural, and historical importance from ancient Egyptian times through the Graeco-Roman period.
The mission, led by Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim, Director General of Beni Suef Antiquities, discovered a reused stone block bearing a raised inscription with the name of King Senusret III. The inscription includes both his throne name and birth name. Another cartouche was also found bearing the name of the deity “Osir-na-ref,” one of the principal gods venerated at Ihnasya during ancient Egyptian and Ptolemaic times.
The discoveries also include extensions of a Roman basilica, remains of an earlier Doric temple, and a rare marble head of a statue of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. Additional finds include parts of wall statues and terracotta coin-moulds dating to the Roman period.
Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, said the discoveries represent an important scientific and archaeological addition that helps highlight the great historical value of Ihnasya el-Medina. He noted that the finds reflect the cultural and religious diversity that Egypt witnessed across different historical periods.
The minister added that the ministry gives great attention to archaeological sites across Egypt as part of its plan to improve, develop, and open new sites to visitors, contributing to the diversification of Egypt’s cultural tourism destinations.
Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the discovery of a cartouche bearing the name of King Senusret III is particularly significant, especially as the king was associated with several important monuments at Ihnasya el-Medina. He said the find confirms the sacred status of the city in ancient Egyptian belief and the attention it received from the kings of the Middle Kingdom.
El-Leithy also explained that the discovery of the Roman basilica extensions sheds light on the architectural and functional development of this building type. During the Greek period, basilicas were used as public buildings for meetings, administrative functions, and commercial activities, before being adapted in the early Christian period as churches for religious rites and ecclesiastical gatherings.
Mohamed Abdel Badi, Head of the Ancient Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said preliminary studies of the remains of the earlier Doric temple show that its architectural elements were reused in the sixth century AD as foundations and flooring to support the columns of the basilica.
He explained that the builders of the basilica rearranged stones and architectural blocks in an irregular manner to create a strong base capable of bearing the immense weight of the columns, some of which are estimated to weigh around 45 tonnes. Three of these columns remain standing in their original positions.
Regarding the marble head of Aphrodite, Abdel Badi said the piece is considered a rare work of art. Measuring approximately 24 by 25 centimetres, it is distinguished by its fine execution and delicate artistic details, particularly in the facial features and curly hair. The style reflects classical artistic characteristics commonly found in depictions of deities and prominent figures of the period.
Dr. Sami Dardiri, Head of the Central Administration for Middle Egypt Antiquities, said the remains of wall statues, together with the terracotta coin-moulds, reflect the city’s importance during the Roman period and point to its continued cultural and economic prosperity. He added that the mission is continuing its scientific study and dating of the newly discovered material.
Ihnasya el-Medina is one of Egypt’s most important archaeological sites. It served as the capital of Egypt during the Ninth and Tenth Dynasties and was the capital of the twentieth nome of Upper Egypt. The city retained major importance during the Middle Kingdom, the New Kingdom, and the Third Intermediate Period, and flourished during the Greek and Roman periods, when it was known as Herakleopolis Magna, meaning “the Great City of Heracles.”
The discoveries form part of the Supreme Council of Antiquities’ ongoing efforts to uncover more of Egypt’s ancient heritage, advance archaeological and historical research at sites across the country, and preserve and promote Egypt’s cultural heritage worldwide.
