Archaeologists uncover gold artifacts, divine statues in Egypt

In a recent article, Miami Hearld highlights that hidden beneath the sands of time, the Karnak temple complex in Egypt, continues to unveil its ancient secrets. 

The Karnak temple complex in Luxor, Egypt, once considered the "largest and most important religious site" in the region, took over 1,000 years to complete, according to experts. Built between the 12th and 20th dynasties, the temple bears the mark of numerous pharaohs and continues to captivate researchers exploring its historical significance thousands of years after its construction.

Archaeologists are currently working to transform the Karnak complex into an open-air museum, leading to exciting new discoveries. In the northwestern sector of the site, a joint French-Egyptian excavation team uncovered pottery dating to the 26th dynasty (664–525 B.C.), according to a February 28 post by Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities on Facebook. Among the artifacts was a broken pot, which revealed gold items inside.

The contents of the pot included gold and metal rings, gold-plated beads, and small statuettes. Notably, one of the items featured a three-piece set depicting the gods Amun, Mut, and Khonsu, while other pieces displayed gods in animal forms, along with a metal brooch.

Amun, the Egyptian god of the sun and air, was a central figure in ancient Egyptian religion. His wife, Mut, symbolized the great mother and was often depicted with the head of a vulture, holding the symbol of life, with a feather representing truth at her feet. Their son, Khonsu, was frequently portrayed as a mummified man. Together, these three gods formed the divine triad at Thebes, with the temple dedicated to Amun serving as a key feature of the Karnak complex.

Officials noted that while all parts of the pot were found broken, they were in good condition, as were the items hidden inside.

In addition to the pottery, French officials revealed that large mud structures, also from the 26th dynasty, were uncovered during the excavation. These buildings are believed to have functioned as workshops or storage areas within the temple complex.

The 26th dynasty, also known as the Late or Saite Period, was marked by 130 years of rule by a powerful family, according to the MET Museum. The rulers of this period were more focused on enhancing their domestic prestige than pursuing international power, channeling their efforts into creating stone monuments and statuary as a form of artistic expression.

The Karnak temple complex, located in Luxor along the Nile River in east-central Egypt, remains a testament to the grandeur of ancient Egypt and continues to yield remarkable discoveries as it is transformed into an open-air museum.

By Naila Huseynova