Ancient Fortress Discovered in North Sinai
Recently, Egyptian archaeologists made an exciting find: an ancient fortress along a military road mentioned in the Book of Exodus. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in Egypt shared the news on October 11.
This fortress, uncovered at the Tell el Harouba site in Sheikh Zuweid, has roots tracing back to the New Kingdom, which spanned roughly from 1550 to 1070 BC. Well, what’s particularly fascinating is that this structure appears to be at least 3,000 years old—so it aligns with the time frame described in the Biblical narrative of the Exodus.
Exodus 13:17 mentions that God led the Israelites away from a shorter path through the land of the Philistines, fearing they might change their minds about leaving Egypt. Instead, they took a desert route toward the Red Sea. Connecting to this, the fortress was found along the Horus Military Road, a route leading from Egypt to Canaan.
The discovery is quite significant, being described as one of the largest fortifications along this ancient road. Archaeologists also found various pottery pieces and a vase handle marked with the name of Thutmose I, a Pharaoh who reigned from around 1506 to 1493 BC. Interestingly, there are already 11 defensive towers identified within the fortress.
The fortress spans approximately 86,100 square feet and was likely part of a network of structures built to safeguard Egypt’s eastern borders and its trade routes. Among the findings were volcanic stones, possibly shipped from the Greek islands, remnants of a large bread oven, and even fossilized fabric.
Officials have remarked that this fortress appears to have been a vibrant center for soldiers, essential for daily life during its operational years. It seems to encapsulate not just a military strategy but also the ingenuity of ancient Egyptian society in crafting a robust defense system.
Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy noted that this discovery adds depth to Egypt’s military history and enhances the significance of the Sinai Peninsula, recognizing it as a location rich in the legacy of a remarkable civilization.
