Archaeologists in Egypt have discovered a number of new artifacts, including a marble head of Aphrodite
In Egypt, researchers have announced the discovery of a number of unique artifacts, including a marble head of the goddess Aphrodite, the ruins of an ancient Roman basilica, and valuable funerary objects.
Large-scale excavations took place simultaneously at two historical sites—an ancient necropolis south of the capital and a neighborhood in modern-day Cairo.
The discovered items date back to a period when the country was under the shared cultural and political influence of ancient civilizations.
Archaeologists unearthed the head of the Greek goddess of love and the remains of a Christian church in the province of Beni Suef, located approximately 129 kilometers south of Cairo.
This unique historical site is known to scholars as Echnasia, or by its ancient Roman name, Heracleopolis Magna.
At one time, this settlement was considered one of the largest, richest, and most influential cities of Ancient Egypt.
The sculpted head of Aphrodite measures approximately 24 by 25.4 centimeters and is very well preserved in the dry earth.
It is distinguished by exceptionally refined facial features and detailed curly hair, which is a characteristic feature of classical Greek and Roman artistic traditions.
Nearby, experts cleared the basilica’s foundation, where they discovered massive stone blocks weighing up to 45 tons that once supported the columns, three of which still stand in their original locations.
During a detailed examination of the building’s walls, scientists also came across fragments of other statues and terracotta molds.
According to experts, these molds were actively used by local craftsmen for mass coin production during the Roman period.
Such significant finds strongly indicate that Ehnasia functioned as a very vibrant economic and commercial center when Egypt was officially a province of the Roman Empire between 30 BCE and 395 CE.
Meanwhile, in the Matariya residential district of Cairo, which was once part of the ancient sacred city of Heliopolis, researchers discovered an almost complete and intact set of funerary objects.
Archaeologists found a tomb made of classical clay bricks, inside which was a coffin containing gilded human remains.
Researchers currently believe that this remarkable burial belonged to a well-known and wealthy military figure of that time.
This was reported by The Independent.
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