In world's ancient history, Egypt occupies one of the prominent positions. The country is a fascination among archaeologists and historians, eager to unearth the mysteries hidden underneath its vast landscape. And to the much amazement of history buffs and travellers, a 3000-year-old lost city was discovered last year in April, 2021.
As per the reports, the name of the city is Aten, the lost "Golden" city of Egypt.
Who pioneered the discovery?
Mr Zahi Hawass, a renowned Egyptologist, had been instrumental in leading the discovery of the city. Along with the team of archaeologists in September 2020, he started searching for a mortuary temple on the west banks of Luxor. But to their astonishment, in April 2021, they unearthed Aten, Egypt's Lost Golden City.
Buried inside the sands, Hawass claimed that Aten is the largest ancient city to be unearthed in Egypt. As per Hawass, the city was discovered in good condition with complete walls, rooms filled with the daily tools and accessories, a bakery, administrative district, and several residential areas.
The team is also on the search for untouched tombs filled with treasures.
What information was revealed from the discovery?
Based on the findings in the reports, it has been deciphered that the city dates back to 1391 to 1353 BC when it was ruled by Amenhotep III. He was on the most powerful pharaohs of Egypt.
Many valuable archaeological finds, like coloured pottery, jewellery, mud bricks bearing seals of Amenhotep III, and scarab beetle amulets confirm the dates of existence of the city. The reports also state that Aten was the largest administrative and industrial settlement in that era.
Betsy Brian, Professor of Egyptology at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, US, appraised the discovery as one of the most spectacular archaeological finds since Tutankhamun's tomb. She also mentioned that the city would provide a glimpse of the life of the ancient Egyptians when the empire was at its peak of wealth and prosperity.
Which are the significant things discovered from the site?
A bakery and a kitchen with pottery and ovens have been found at the site. Hieroglyphic inscriptions on pottery, rings, scarabs, mud bricks, and wine vessels have been discovered; bearing the seal of King Amenhotep III.
Casting moulds for making ornaments and amulets have also been discovered at the site; preferably to be used in tombs and temples. The tools excavated from the site resemble those being used for spinning and weaving.
Excavation of Aten is a remarkable archaeological discovery in world history. As the team continues to explore more, hopefully we can receive more interesting and amazing information about the city and its neighbourhoods.
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