‘Significant’ sun and star observatory discovered that dates back to 6th century BC: scientists
This discovery is anything but Tutan-khamun.
Archeologists in Egypt have discovered “the first and largest astronomical observatory,” nearly half a mile long, dating to the 6th century BC.
A sundial and other items were found inside a building that was designed with slanted architecture to measure shade and solar movement, according to the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
Engravings depicting the sunrise and sunset for three seasons of the year and treasures of the time and dynasties past were also uncovered.
The archaeology site ancient-origins.net called the findings “significant.”
The astronomy tower, made “with five level blocks of limestone,” was part of the Buto Temple, a larger complex uncovered in Kafr Sheikh — an area about 2½ hours north of the great pyramids of Giza.
There were special side entrances to its east and west to better track the sun’s daily trajectory, along with “a hall of central columns open in the shape of the letter,” per Egyptian archeological official Dr. Ayman Ashmawi.
The site also contained an “inclined shadow clock” stone sun dial, which is “considered to be one of the most prominent timekeeping instruments in ancient times,” per the ministry.
Another circular hall had a stone block on the floor along with two other blocks to measure the sun’s angles and five satellite chambers made of “milky brick” likely used for tool storage.
There are four additional rooms made of the material plus one small chamber made of stone — the latter likely being the observatory itself.
The location’s front end features “a huge, high milk brick wall that leans inward,” which evokes similar calligraphy styles seen at other ancient temples in the kingdom.
Also unearthed was “a relatively large hall with three walls covered with yellow slate.”
It contained the remains of a blue painting along with a drawing of the falcon pharaoh god Horus, Osiris the god of the dead, a terracotta snake and more related artwork and jewelry, including a necklace.
A gray granite statute dating back to the Saite dynasty, which ruled from 664 to 332 BC, was also recovered in the observatory, leach archeologist Dr. Hossam Ghanim added.
