New royal citadel discovered in Sinai

Egyptian citadel wall at Sinai near Gaza. Courtesy of the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

The Way of Horus was an important trade route that connected ancient Egypt to the Near Eastern world. In fact, it was so important that during the New Kingdom period (c. 1570–1069 BCE), the route was heavily guarded by a series of Egyptian forts. Archaeologists from Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities have uncovered one of the largest such forts while excavating at the site of Telly al-Kharuba near the modern border with Gaza.

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Defending the Path of Horus

The Passage of Horus in the Sinai section of the famous by Maurice played an important role in Egyptian trade throughout history. As one of the few routes across the Sinai Peninsula, this road, which ran along the Mediterranean coast, would also have been vital in connecting the Egyptian Empire with its Levantine territories during the Late Bronze Age (c. 1550–1200 BC). Given the road’s importance, the Horus Pass was heavily defended during the New Kingdom and helped to fortify Egypt’s eastern border.

Excavations at Tell al-Kharuba revealed part of one such fort. Among the discoveries was the southern wall of the fort, which is about 350 feet long and 8 feet thick. Along the wall, archaeologists have identified 11 defensive towers, although more are expected to be uncovered. Excavators also exposed parts of the northern and western walls of the fort. In total, the fort was likely about 86,000 square feet and would have housed a large number of soldiers. One of the interesting features of the site is the 250-foot-long winding wall that surrounds the residential area.

The jar handle is stamped with the name of Pharaoh Thutmose I. Courtesy of the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

Other finds included numerous pottery vessels and sherds, volcanic stones from the Aegean islands, a large bread oven, and preserved fragments of ancient flour. Even a pottery handle from the site was stamped with the name of Pharaoh Thutmose I (r. 1506–1493 BCE). Preliminary studies of the fort show that it underwent several phases of restoration and modification during the period of its occupation. In previous excavation seasons, a much smaller fort was found half a mile to the southwest, and it is hoped that future excavations will reveal a military port attached to the fort at Al-Kharuba.

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