The Chief Archaeologist at the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Magdy Shaker said that the ministry continued its excavation work at several archaeological sites over the past two weeks, discovering approximately 255 statues in the San al-Hagar area.
During a phone interview with Sada el-Balad TV on Sunday evening, Shaker described the discovery as a new archaeological achievement reflecting the richness and diversity of ancient Egyptian civilization.
Sun temple finding
The ministry also successfully uncovered the remains of the Valley Temple belonging to the solar system of King Nyuserre in the Abu-Ghurab area, within the Abusir archaeological area, during ongoing excavations at the site, he added.
Shaker noted that this temple is one of only two known sun temples in ancient Egypt.
The archaeological mission made an unprecedented discovery by uncovering more than half of the temple’s area for the first time, greatly bolstering scientific understanding of the nature and architectural design of sun temples.
The chief archaeologist added that among the most significant discoveries was a colossal statue, over 10 meters long and weighing approximately 60 tons, which had remained buried under the sand for more than 3,000 years.
Shaker proclaimed that these discoveries will help enhance Egypt’s standing on the global cultural tourism map and open new horizons for archaeological research and study.
