Ancient Temple Remains Uncovered in Egypt’s Bahariya Oasis Reveal New Secrets of the 26th Dynasty
Archaeologists working in Egypt’s Bahariya Oasis have uncovered new architectural features belonging to an ancient temple that dates back more than 2,600 years. The discovery is providing valuable clues about the oasis’s role as a major religious and administrative center during the Late Period of ancient Egypt.
The findings were made by an Egyptian archaeological mission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities at the Old Palace site in the village of Al-Qasr. Excavations at the location have been ongoing since 2014, gradually revealing the importance of what was once a thriving regional capital.
During the latest excavation season, researchers uncovered additional sections of a sandstone temple along with several carved stone blocks bearing the royal names and titles of Pharaoh Psamtik I, one of the most influential rulers of Egypt’s 26th Dynasty.
According to archaeologists, these discoveries are helping experts reconstruct the temple’s original design and better understand how the complex evolved over time. Evidence suggests construction began during the reign of Psamtik I and continued under later rulers, including Apries and Amasis II.
One of the most impressive features uncovered at the site is a large hypostyle hall supported by 16 sandstone columns. The hall forms part of a larger temple complex that includes a series of chambers and adjoining rooms used for religious activities.Image Credit : Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Decorated reliefs and hieroglyphic inscriptions discovered throughout the structure mention several major Egyptian deities, including Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. These findings indicate that the temple played an important role in the spiritual life of the oasis community.
Researchers also made another significant discovery: a stone stela dating to the reign of Amenhotep II. The monument suggests that Bahariya Oasis maintained strong connections with the Egyptian state centuries before the construction of the 26th Dynasty temple.
Additional artifacts linked to the reign of Ramesses II further demonstrate that religious activity and settlement at the site existed long before the Late Period. These findings reveal a much longer history of occupation than previously understood.
Earlier excavation seasons produced several important discoveries, including a metal seal that identified the temple's ancient name as "Ip-Set," which translates to "Headquarters of the Heart." Archaeologists also recovered bronze statues, religious amulets dedicated to Osiris and Ra-Horakhty, and the head of a statue believed to represent a high-ranking priest or government official.
The site continued to play an important role long after the decline of ancient Egyptian rule. Evidence shows that it remained occupied throughout the Greek and Roman periods and into the early Christian era.
Excavators have uncovered Coptic and Latin inscriptions alongside industrial installations, storage facilities, and production areas used for manufacturing wine and oils. These remains demonstrate the site's ongoing economic and religious significance over many centuries.
Today, the Old Palace site is regarded as one of the most important archaeological locations in the Bahariya Oasis. Historians believe it once served as the administrative capital of the region during the Late Period, overseeing trade, religion, and local governance.
As excavations continue, archaeologists hope the newly discovered architectural remains will help piece together the full history of this remarkable oasis settlement and its role within ancient Egypt’s vast network of cities and religious centers.