Artifacts 4,100+ years old unearthed by chance near Edfu Temple

Archaeologists recently discovered numerous artifacts, including pottery, vessels, human bones, and an ancient mirror, while working at Edfu Temple in Egypt’s southernmost governorate of Aswan.

On Sunday, the Ministry of State for Antiquities announced that some of these artifacts date back to Ancient Egypt’s Old Kingdom (Circa 2686 BC –2181 BC), while others date back to the Late Period (Circa 672 BC to 525 BC).

Along with a statement on its official website, the Ministry of Antiquities published photos of crockery — a pot, vessel, urn and chalice — found buried in the earth below the Temple of Edfu. The origins and approximate ages of these artifacts have not yet been identified, although ministerial spokespersons indicate they were made from alabaster and porcelain, as well as other materials.

Among these latest discoveries, the ministry reported that a polished bronze mirror dating back well over 4,100 years (to the Old Kingdom of Ancient Egypt) was also unearthed.

Bones and other human remains were said to have been found buried amid piles of ancient debris, although their age was also not specified.

The pottery, bones, and mirror were all reportedly discovered by chance during a process whereby excess groundwater was being drained from underneath the anterior side of Edfu Temple. The temple itself was constructed between 237 BC and 57 BC, in honor of the falcon god Horus, during the Ptolemaic Period.

According to the Ministry of Antiquities, these newly discovered artifacts have been cleaned, restored, and will soon be placed in museums.