26th Dynasty Temple Structures Newly Unearthed in Bahariya Oasis

Archaeologists have uncovered new architectural elements of the Old Qasr Temple in Egypt's Bahariya Oasis, shedding fresh light on a site that remained active for centuries and revealing evidence of religious and administrative activity spanning multiple eras.

The discoveries were made by an Egyptian mission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities during the latest excavation season at the Old Qasr archaeological site.

Excavations have been ongoing since 2014 and indicate that the temple was founded during the reign of Psamtik I and completed under the 26th Dynasty kings Wahibre and Amasis II. Evidence suggests the site remained in use through the Greek and Roman periods.

According to Mohamed Abdel Badei, head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, the team uncovered the temple's main hypostyle hall, featuring 16 sandstone columns, as well as adjoining rooms and chapels. Hieroglyphic inscriptions bearing the names of deities including Amun-Re, Amunet and Khonsu were also identified.

Among the most significant finds was a stone stela dating to the reign of Amenhotep II of the 18th Dynasty, offering further evidence of the Bahariya Oasis' ties to the Egyptian state during the New Kingdom.

Artefacts linked to Ramses II were also discovered, suggesting that religious activity at the site predates the construction of the Late Period temple itself. Previous excavations identified the temple's ancient name, "Ibp-Set" or "House of the Heart", through a metal seal found on site.

Other discoveries over the years have included a statue of the god Thoth, a bronze statue of Osiris, a bronze amulet depicting Re-Horakhty and the head of a statue believed to represent a priest or senior official from the oasis.