3000-year-old fort used to defend against 'sea peoples' found in Egypt

Ruins of mudbrick buildingsfrom a3,000-year-old fort that defended an ancient Egyptian kingdom against “sea peoples” tribes have been discovered by archaeologists. The discovery was made in northwestern Egypt near the eastern Mediterranean. This fort catered to the New Kingdom era that spanned 1550 BC to 1070 BC.

The remains found at the site comprise military barracks for soldiers and storage rooms for weapons, food and provisions. Egyptian soldiers who were stationed at the Tell Al-Abqain site on the Nile’s Western Delta used to keep personal items at the fort, which were also discovered during the dig.

Research shows that the sea peoples were responsible for the collapse of several dominant civilisations around 1200BC. They conducted naval raids which were partly responsible for kingdoms falling down. However, the origin of sea peoples is a mystery and it is not clear where they came from.

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The tribe carried out several invasions and settled in a small section of the Mediterranean after a string of invasions in northern Egypt.

The discovery presents strong proof that forts acted as a major defense mechanism in northern Egypt and guarded the ancient kingdom against Libyan tribes and the sea peoples.

Researchers said the way the buildings were designed shows the exceptional talent of ancient Egyptian engineers. They were divided into two identical groups and were separated by a narrow passage.

They had storerooms filled with daily provisions to cater to the needs to the people who lived there.

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Pieces of broken pottery were also found with remains of fish and animal bones. Cylindrical pottery ovensused for cooking were also at the site.

There were also several artefacts at the site, hinting at the lives and beliefs of the people. Most of those who lived at the fort were soldiers, and the artefacts help understand about how they lived their lives, their religious beliefs, and military activities.

A long bronze sword decorated with the cartouche of King Ramesses II was also found. A limestone block was found inscribed with hieroglyphics, telling the titles of King Ramesses II. Another one belonged to an official named “Bay”.

A cow burial site was also uncovered, and scientists suspect it symbolised strength, abundance, and prosperity.