Egypt uncovers ancient fortress offering glimpse into military, daily life

CAIRO, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- An Egyptian archaeological mission has uncovered important structures and artifacts at the Tell Abqain archaeological site in the northwestern Beheira province, shedding light on military and daily life in ancient Egyptian fortresses, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said Wednesday.

Excavations uncovered a large mudbrick residential complex with a planned street network linked to the fortress's southern entrance, the ministry said in a statement. It contained grain silos, pottery ovens, and storage rooms, including large jars with charred wheat grains.

Residential rooms were also found near three previously discovered stone wells bearing the titles of King Ramses II, the statement read.

A notable find was the complete burial of a young male horse, likely used for military training or pulling war chariots, it said. Alabaster and limestone pieces were also found, believed to have formed part of a chariot harness, providing further evidence of the site's military role.

The discoveries highlight the strategic importance of Tell Abqain, one of a series of military fortresses built along the western edge of the Nile Delta during the New Kingdom (1550-1069 BC) to protect Egypt from attacks by Libyan tribes, it added.