Ancient Greek Temple Pylon Discovered in Sohag, Egypt

Researchers in Egypt have uncovered a complete pylon from a Ptolemaic-era temple complex in Sohag. Pylons (Greek: Πυλών) were monumental gateways or tower-like structures, and this one dates back to the era of ancient Greek rule in Egypt, known as the Ptolemaic period.

This discovery was made by experts from the University of Tübingen and Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities. They were working at an archaeological site in the city of Athribis.

Athribis was an important religious center where worship was dedicated to various deities. These included Min-Re, a fertility god, his consort Repyt, a lioness goddess, and their son Kolanthes, a child deity. The site spans approximately 74 acres and encompasses temples, an ancient cemetery, residential areas, and stone quarries.

The recently discovered pylon measures 51 meters (167ft) long and features two towers, each 24 meters (79ft) wide, with an entrance gate between them. Experts estimate the original height of the structure to be about 18 meters (59ft), similar to the pylon at Luxor Temple.

Ptolemaic Temple Unearthed in Sohag Egypt.

A joint Egyptian-German archaeological mission made a significant discovery in Sohag, Egypt, unearthing a complete Ptolemaic temple near the Great Temple of Athribis. This mission, led by the Supreme Council of Antiquities and the… pic.twitter.com/zoQVLkgGEv

— Ancient Hypotheses (@AncientEpoch) November 24, 2024

Mohamed Abdel Badie, head of Upper Egypt’s antiquities administration and co-director of the mission, revealed new details following recent restoration work. This included the discovery of ancient carvings on both the outer and inner walls of the pylon, depicting scenes of a pharaoh being welcomed by Repyt, the lioness goddess, and her son, the child deity Kolanthes.

“Through studying the cartouches discovered at the entrance and on one of the interior sides, it was determined that this gate dates back to the reign of Ptolemy VIII, who may have been the founder of the temple,” said Abdel Badie.

Cartouche bearing the name of Queen Cleopatra III

Researchers believe the inscriptions may include a cartouche bearing the name of Queen Cleopatra III, the wife of the ruling pharaoh.

Dr. Christian Leitz, head of the German team, revealed another significant finding. The team uncovered the southern chamber of the pylon, completing work that began in 1907–1908 by a British mission led by renowned archaeologist Flinders Petrie.

The chamber’s entrance is adorned with ancient carvings showing the goddess Repyt and the fertility god Min. These figures are surrounded by smaller celestial deities, which likely represented stars used to measure nighttime hours.

Dr. Markus Müller, the German site director, shared additional discoveries. The team found a hidden room featuring a staircase, previously unknown to researchers. This room can be accessed through a small entrance on the monument’s outer wall.

The staircase, with four surviving steps, suggests it once led to an upper floor, which was destroyed long ago, possibly during 752 AD.

The joint Egyptian-German mission has been conducting excavations in the Athribis area for over a decade. Their efforts have led to the full uncovering of the Great Temple of Athribis. During this time, researchers also discovered over 30,000 fragments of pottery, known as ostraca, inscribed with Demotic, Coptic, and hieratic texts.