First ancient astronomical observatory found in Egypt!
A team led by Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities has made a groundbreaking discovery at the ancient Buto Temple, located in the Tell El-Fara’in archaeological site in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate. This find is believed to be the first and largest astronomical observatory from the 6th century BCE, shedding new light on the advanced knowledge and practices of ancient Egyptian civilization.
Photo Credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt
The Observatory’s Significance
The newly uncovered observatory, constructed primarily from mudbrick, was more than just a building; it was a hub for tracking and recording the movements of the sun, moon, and stars. These celestial observations were vital for determining important dates for religious festivals, royal ceremonies like coronations, and even the beginning of the agricultural year. The observatory played a crucial role in aligning daily life and religious practices with the celestial events that guided ancient Egyptian society.
Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, emphasised the observatory’s importance, stating, "It highlights the advanced astronomical knowledge of the ancient Egyptians, including their ability to determine the solar calendar and significant religious and agricultural dates." This discovery underscores how deeply intertwined astronomy was with both the religious and practical aspects of life in ancient Egypt.
The Structure and Artefacts
Spanning an impressive 850 square metres, the observatory features a central L-shaped hall made of mudbrick, reminiscent of the grand entrances to ancient Egyptian temples. The entrance, which faces east, was strategically designed to allow sunlight to flood the interior at specific times of the year, reinforcing the observatory’s purpose in tracking celestial movements.
Within the hall, a significant discovery was made—a stone platform intricately engraved with depictions of astronomical alignments, such as the sunrise and sunset during various seasons. These engravings likely represent measurements taken through the temple’s eastern and western doors, providing invaluable insight into the Egyptians' understanding of the heavens.
One of the most fascinating artefacts found at the site is an inclined stone sundial, known as a shadow clock. This sundial, consisting of a straight row of limestone slabs approximately 4.8 metres long, was used to measure time based on the sun’s position. Dr. Ayman Ashmawy, head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, described this find as one of the most significant, highlighting the Egyptians' expertise in timekeeping and their sophisticated understanding of solar movements.
Photo Credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt
Buto: A City of Science and Ceremony
Located between the branches of the Nile and near Butic Lake, Tell El-Fara’in—known in antiquity as the city of Buto—was a key ceremonial centre dedicated to the goddess Wadjet, the protector of Egypt. The city’s strategic location in the fertile Nile Delta and its proximity to natural waterways likely contributed to its prominence as both a place of religious worship and a centre for scientific observation.
This discovery of the ancient observatory at Buto Temple adds a new layer to our understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization, revealing the sophisticated ways in which they intertwined astronomy with their religious and daily lives. As archaeologists continue to explore this site, we can only anticipate further insights into the remarkable world of the ancient Egyptians.