Ancient Egypt met modern medical technology on Monday (June 21) when an Egyptian mummy underwent a CT scan at a Milan hospital as part of a research project to discover what he looked like, how he lived and how he died.

Milan hospital uses CT scan to discover life and death of Egyptian mummy

Twice a week in a small gym room in the Egyptian city of Beni Suef, 36-year-old Sabah Saqr coaches young men and boys to box. A woman coaching men may not be that unusual in the capital, but in Beni Suef, which lies 100 kilometres (60 miles) south of Cairo in an agricultural area, tradition often limits women's roles.

Meet the woman boxer fighting off stigma by training men in Upper Egypt

Egypt's highest civilian court on Monday upheld death sentences for 12 senior Muslim Brotherhood figures over a 2013 sit-in which ended with security forces killing hundreds of protesters, judicial sources said. 
 
The ruling, which cannot be appealed, means the 12 men could face execution pending approval by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. They include Abdul Rahman Al-Bar, commonly described as the group's mufti or top religious scholar, Mohamed El-Beltagi, a former member of parliament, and Osama Yassin, a former minister. 
 
Many Muslim Brotherhood figures have been sentenced to death in other cases related to the unrest that followed the military's ousting of Brotherhood president Mohamed Mursi in 2013, but the Court of Cassation ordered retrials. 
 
Rights groups have documented a sharp rise in the number of executions in Egypt, with at least 51 carried out so far this year according to Amnesty International. 
 
"Instead of continuing to escalate their use of the death penalty by upholding death sentences following convictions in grossly unfair mass trials Egyptian authorities must immediately establish an official moratorium on executions," Amnesty said in a statement. 
 
Monday's ruling relates to a mass trial of hundreds of suspects accused of murder and incitement of violence during pro-Brotherhood protests at Rabaa al-Adawiya square in Cairo in the weeks after Mursi's overthrow. 
 
In September 2018, an Egyptian criminal court sentenced 75 people to death and issued varying jail terms for more than 600 others. Many defendants were tried in absentia. 
 
Forty-four of those sentenced to death appealed to the Court of Cassation. Thirty-one had their sentences changed to life in prison, while death sentences were upheld for 12 others. 
 
A final defendant, the senior Muslim Brotherhood leader Essam el-Erian, died in prison in Cairo in August 2020. Mursi, Egypt's first democratically elected president, died in prison in 2019. 
 
The court also upheld jail terms for many other defendants including a life sentence for Mohamed Badie, leader of the outlawed Brotherhood, and a 10-year jail term for Mursi's son Osama, the judicial sources said. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Egypt's highest civilian court on Monday upheld death sentences for 12 senior Muslim Brotherhood figures over a 2013 sit-in which ended with security forces killing hundreds of protesters, judicial sources said.

Egypt's highest civilian court on Monday upheld death sentences for 12 senior Muslim Brotherhood figures over a 2013 sit-in which ended with security forces killing hundreds of protesters, judicial sources said. The ruling, which cannot be appealed, means the 12 men could face execution pending approval by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. They include Abdul Rahman Al-Bar, commonly described as the group's mufti or top religious scholar, Mohamed El-Beltagi, a former member of parliament, and Osama Yassin, a former minister. Many Muslim Brotherhood figures have been sentenced to death in other cases related to the unrest that followed the military's ousting of Brotherhood president Mohamed Mursi in 2013, but the Court of Cassation ordered retrials. Rights groups have documented a sharp rise in the number of executions in Egypt, with at least 51 carried out so far this year according to Amnesty International. "Instead of continuing to escalate their use of the death penalty by upholding death sentences following convictions in grossly unfair mass trials Egyptian authorities must immediately establish an official moratorium on executions," Amnesty said in a statement. Monday's ruling relates to a mass trial of hundreds of suspects accused of murder and incitement of violence during pro-Brotherhood protests at Rabaa al-Adawiya square in Cairo in the weeks after Mursi's overthrow. In September 2018, an Egyptian criminal court sentenced 75 people to death and issued varying jail terms for more than 600 others. Many defendants were tried in absentia. Forty-four of those sentenced to death appealed to the Court of Cassation. Thirty-one had their sentences changed to life in prison, while death sentences were upheld for 12 others. A final defendant, the senior Muslim Brotherhood leader Essam el-Erian, died in prison in Cairo in August 2020. Mursi, Egypt's first democratically elected president, died in prison in 2019. The court also upheld jail terms for many other defendants including a life sentence for Mohamed Badie, leader of the outlawed Brotherhood, and a 10-year jail term for Mursi's son Osama, the judicial sources said. (With inputs from agencies)

Egypt upholds death sentence for 12 senior Muslim Brotherhood figures

Egypt's intelligence chief Abbas Kamel met Hamas leaders in Gaza on Monday to try to bolster a ceasefire between the Palestinian militant group and Israel and to discuss reconstruction plans following the recent hostilities.

Egypt's intelligence chief Kamel holds truce talks with Hamas in Gaza

Egyptian officials made their most specific allegations against the container ship's captain. The officials have said that the captain gave too many commands and accused him of losing control of the Ever Given ship.

Egyptian officials accuse captain of losing Ever Given ship's control in Suez Canal

US President Joe Biden called Egypt’s President Abdelfattah al-Sisi to discuss strengthening the Gaza ceasefire, urgent humanitarian aid to the strip and international reconstruction efforts. The two leaders also discussed ways to revive the peace process between Israel and Palestine.

US President Biden discusses Gaza ceasefire with Egypt's Sisi

Researchers examining an ancient Egyptian mummy discovered that it was that of a woman who had been seven months pregnant. It was a discovery that shocked Wojciech Ejsmond, the lead author of the study.

“I was speechless because we didn’t expect such a discovery,” he said. “The pregnancy was a complete surprise.”

This is the world's first known case of such a well-preserved ancient mummy of a pregnant woman said researchers on Thursday. The scans reveal the woman was 28 weeks into her pregnancy — about seven months — when she died.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="‘That’s a lot of teeth’: Researchers discover 2.5 billion Tyrannosaurus rex">‘That’s a lot of teeth’: Researchers discover 2.5 billion Tyrannosaurus rex</a>

The mummy was donated to Warsaw in 1826 and the inscription on the coffin named a male priest. No previous examination had disproved the belief that it was a male.

Marzena Ozarek-Szilke, an anthropologist and archeologist while examining said, "When we saw the little foot and then the little hand (of the fetus), we were shocked."

When anthropologist Marzena Ozarek-Szilke was observing CT scans and X-rays of the pelvis area, she saw some anomalies and some "weird-looking objects inside." Ozarek-Szilke told the Associated Press, "Our first surprise was that it has no penis, but instead it has breasts and long hair, and then we found out it was a pregnant woman."

Researchers while observing the size of the baby’s skull suggested she was 26 to 28 weeks pregnant. On further investigation, Ozarek found the remains of a fetus that had been left intact in the uterus and mummified together with its mother, who is thought to be in her 20s.

Their findings from the Warsaw Mummy Project of years of tests on this were published this week in the Journal of Archaeological Science.

"We do not know why the foetus was not taken out of the belly of the deceased during mummification," Ejsmond said.

Researchers thought the mummified individual was a man because it was found in a male coffin. That is why scientists believe "mummy is truly unique."

The excellent amount of emballing suggests that the woman was buried with a large amount of jewelry and she belonged to a wealthy family. Her identity is not known as the mummy has not been opened.

However, based on scans scientists rule out the woman had curly hair down to her shoulders.

(With inputs from agencies)

Researchers examining an ancient Egyptian mummy discovered that it was that of a woman who had been seven months pregnant. It was a discovery that shocked Wojciech Ejsmond, the lead author of the study.

Researchers examining an ancient Egyptian mummy discovered that it was that of a woman who had been seven months pregnant. It was a discovery that shocked Wojciech Ejsmond, the lead author of the study. “I was speechless because we didn’t expect such a discovery,” he said. “The pregnancy was a complete surprise.” This is the world's first known case of such a well-preserved ancient mummy of a pregnant woman said researchers on Thursday. The scans reveal the woman was 28 weeks into her pregnancy — about seven months — when she died. Also read: ‘That’s a lot of teeth’: Researchers discover 2.5 billion Tyrannosaurus rex The mummy was donated to Warsaw in 1826 and the inscription on the coffin named a male priest. No previous examination had disproved the belief that it was a male. Marzena Ozarek-Szilke, an anthropologist and archeologist while examining said, "When we saw the little foot and then the little hand (of the fetus), we were shocked." When anthropologist Marzena Ozarek-Szilke was observing CT scans and X-rays of the pelvis area, she saw some anomalies and some "weird-looking objects inside." Ozarek-Szilke told the Associated Press, "Our first surprise was that it has no penis, but instead it has breasts and long hair, and then we found out it was a pregnant woman." Researchers while observing the size of the baby’s skull suggested she was 26 to 28 weeks pregnant. On further investigation, Ozarek found the remains of a fetus that had been left intact in the uterus and mummified together with its mother, who is thought to be in her 20s. Their findings from the Warsaw Mummy Project of years of tests on this were published this week in the Journal of Archaeological Science. "We do not know why the foetus was not taken out of the belly of the deceased during mummification," Ejsmond said. Researchers thought the mummified individual was a man because it was found in a male coffin. That is why scientists believe "mummy is truly unique." The excellent amount of emballing suggests that the woman was buried with a large amount of jewelry and she belonged to a wealthy family. Her identity is not known as the mummy has not been opened. However, based on scans scientists rule out the woman had curly hair down to her shoulders. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists discover Egyptian mummy of a 28-weeks pregnant woman

Orthodox Christians across Egypt celebrated Palm Sunday, a day which commemorates Christ's arrival to the city of Jerusalem, amid coronavirus restrictions for the second year in a row.

Orthodox Christians celebrate Palm Sunday in Egypt

Egypt's railways chief was sacked Tuesday following a string of deadly train disasters, two days after the latest accident that cost 11 lives. 
 
"The goal of these decisions is not merely about leadership changes of the authority but are in line with the next stage which demands...a complete upgrade of the railway network," the transport ministry said. 
 
The changes "underway aim to provide better services, working around the clock to serve commuters and to upgrade... this essential service which transports millions of passengers yearly", it said in a statement. 
 
Transport Minister Kamel el-Wazir's shuffle of 10 top officials in Egypt's embattled railways authority, including its head Ashraf Raslan, follows an uproar in the Arab world's most populous country over mismanagement of dilapidated train lines. 
 
Calls on social media have urged the minister himself to step down but he has stood firm. 
 
Egyptian rail accidents are mostly blamed on poor infrastructure and maintenance. 
 
On Sunday, 11 people were killed and scores injured in a farming town in the fertile Nile Delta outside the capital when four train carriages came off the tracks. 
 
Last month, at least 20 people died and nearly 200 were injured in a crash in southern Egypt, according to the latest official toll, which authorities have revised several times. 
 
Fifteen people were also injured earlier this month when two train carriages derailed near Minya al-Qamh, north of Cairo. 
 
Wazir, a former general, was named transport minister after a 2019 train collision that was blamed on human error. 
 
"We have a problem with the human element," he said last month on a television talk show, pledging to set up an automated network by 2024. 
 
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has vowed to hold to account those responsible for the recurrent deadly accidents on Egypt's railways in recent years. 
 
One of the deadliest came in 2002 when a fire ripped through a crowded train south of the capital, killing 373 people.

Egypt's railways chief was sacked Tuesday following a string of deadly train disasters, two days after the latest accident that cost 11 lives. "The goal of these decisions is not merely about leadership changes of the authority but are in line with the next stage which demands.

Egypt's railways chief was sacked Tuesday following a string of deadly train disasters, two days after the latest accident that cost 11 lives. "The goal of these decisions is not merely about leadership changes of the authority but are in line with the next stage which demands...a complete upgrade of the railway network," the transport ministry said. The changes "underway aim to provide better services, working around the clock to serve commuters and to upgrade... this essential service which transports millions of passengers yearly", it said in a statement. Transport Minister Kamel el-Wazir's shuffle of 10 top officials in Egypt's embattled railways authority, including its head Ashraf Raslan, follows an uproar in the Arab world's most populous country over mismanagement of dilapidated train lines. Calls on social media have urged the minister himself to step down but he has stood firm. Egyptian rail accidents are mostly blamed on poor infrastructure and maintenance. On Sunday, 11 people were killed and scores injured in a farming town in the fertile Nile Delta outside the capital when four train carriages came off the tracks. Last month, at least 20 people died and nearly 200 were injured in a crash in southern Egypt, according to the latest official toll, which authorities have revised several times. Fifteen people were also injured earlier this month when two train carriages derailed near Minya al-Qamh, north of Cairo. Wazir, a former general, was named transport minister after a 2019 train collision that was blamed on human error. "We have a problem with the human element," he said last month on a television talk show, pledging to set up an automated network by 2024. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has vowed to hold to account those responsible for the recurrent deadly accidents on Egypt's railways in recent years. One of the deadliest came in 2002 when a fire ripped through a crowded train south of the capital, killing 373 people.

Egypt sacks rail authority chief after string of deadly accidents

2 weeks after getting freed, the giant container ship Ever Given is 'stuck' again. This time in a legal row. WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Ever given 'stuck' in a legal row

Coinciding with the start of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, Egypt fired on Tuesday the centuries-old Midfa Al-Iftar or Ramadan Cannon at Cairo's historic Salah El-Din citadel after 30 years of silence.

Egypt fires centuries-old Ramadan Cannon

Egypt also lost between $12 and $15 million in revenues for each day the waterway was closed, according to the canal authority.

Egypt 'Seizes' Suez megaship, demands nearly $1 billion compensation

Archaeologists have discovered what is being believed to be the largest ancient city found in Egypt since the unearthing of Tutankhamun’s tomb.

A famous Egyptologist Zahi Hawass discovered a “lost golden city” near Luxor, which is hailed to be the Valley of the Kings.

"The Egyptian mission under Dr Zahi Hawass found the city that was lost under the sand," the archaeologists said. "The city is 3,000 years old, dates to the reign of Amenhotep III, and continued to be used by Tutankhamun and Ay."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/aquatic-ecosystems-source-of-half-of-global-methane-emissions-study-376096" hreflang="en">Aquatic ecosystems source of half of global methane emissions: Study</a>

Known as Aten, it is being called the largest find of an ancient city in Egypt and is being hailed as the second most important “archaeological discovery since the tomb of Tutankhamun”.

Experts also unearthed pieces of jewellery and coloured pottery vessels, scarab beetle amulets. Mud bricks bearing the seals of Amenhotep III were also found.

However, the city had been hard to locate as a former antiquities minister revealed that “Many foreign missions searched for this city and never found it”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/france-archaeologists-unearth-3d-map-from-bronze-age-376085" hreflang="en">France: Archaeologists unearth 3D map from Bronze Age</a>

The excavations began in September 2020 in Cairo between the temples of Ramses III and Amenhotep III near Luxor.

“Within weeks, to the team’s great surprise, formations of mud bricks began to appear in all directions,” the statement read. “What they unearthed was the site of a large city in a good condition of preservation, with almost complete walls, and with rooms filled with tools of daily life.”

The experts were also able to unearth several neighbourhoods, including a bakery fitted with ovens and storage, administrative and residential districts.

“The archaeological layers have laid untouched for thousands of years, left by the ancient residents as if it were yesterday,” the experts said.

Archaeologists have discovered what is being believed to be the largest ancient city found in Egypt since the unearthing of Tutankhamun’s tomb. A famous Egyptologist Zahi Hawass discovered a “lost golden city” near Luxor, which is hailed to be the Valley of the Kings.

Archaeologists have discovered what is being believed to be the largest ancient city found in Egypt since the unearthing of Tutankhamun’s tomb. A famous Egyptologist Zahi Hawass discovered a “lost golden city” near Luxor, which is hailed to be the Valley of the Kings. "The Egyptian mission under Dr Zahi Hawass found the city that was lost under the sand," the archaeologists said. "The city is 3,000 years old, dates to the reign of Amenhotep III, and continued to be used by Tutankhamun and Ay." Also read | Aquatic ecosystems source of half of global methane emissions: Study Known as Aten, it is being called the largest find of an ancient city in Egypt and is being hailed as the second most important “archaeological discovery since the tomb of Tutankhamun”. Experts also unearthed pieces of jewellery and coloured pottery vessels, scarab beetle amulets. Mud bricks bearing the seals of Amenhotep III were also found. However, the city had been hard to locate as a former antiquities minister revealed that “Many foreign missions searched for this city and never found it”. Also read | France: Archaeologists unearth 3D map from Bronze Age The excavations began in September 2020 in Cairo between the temples of Ramses III and Amenhotep III near Luxor. “Within weeks, to the team’s great surprise, formations of mud bricks began to appear in all directions,” the statement read. “What they unearthed was the site of a large city in a good condition of preservation, with almost complete walls, and with rooms filled with tools of daily life.” The experts were also able to unearth several neighbourhoods, including a bakery fitted with ovens and storage, administrative and residential districts. “The archaeological layers have laid untouched for thousands of years, left by the ancient residents as if it were yesterday,” the experts said.

Ancient city, second largest to Tutankhamun, discovered in Egypt

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi warned of the risk of conflict over Ethiopia’s dam on the Blue Nile after talks involving the two countries and Sudan ended without progress.

Egypt President Sisi says Ethiopian dam may spark a conflict

The latest round of talks between Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) in Kinshasa have ended with no progress. The meeting of the delegations from three countries were held in Democratic Republic of Congo.

Sudan-Egypt-Ethiopia talks over dam fail in Kinshasa

Ethiopia on Tuesday accused Egypt and Sudan of obstructing talks on its contested dam on the Nile, which ended with recriminations and little progress.

The Democratic Republic of Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi, as the current chair of the African Union, hosted the talks in the latest bid to ease decade-long tensions over the waters of the world's longest river.

Ethiopia's construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), set to be Africa's largest hydroelectric project, is seen by both downstream countries as a threat to their own water supply.

Ethiopia's foreign ministry, in a statement posted on Twitter, said the meeting failed "due to Egypt and Sudan's rigid stance to make the negotiation and the outcome a tool to affirm their self-claimed water share and foreclose Ethiopia's share."

Ethiopia said talks centred on the role of observers to the mediation — South Africa, the United States and the European Union. Egypt and Sudan want them to have the same role as the AU, which Ethiopia said it does not accept.

"The two countries followed an approach which seeks to undermine the AU-led process," said the statement, adding that Egypt and Sudan had sought to stall and "obstruct the process" by rejecting the draft communique.

The final text, read by DRC foreign minister Marie Tumba Nzeza, simply noted that the meeting had taken place, listed its participants and thanked Tshisekedi for his work.

Ethiopia said it would continue with the second stage of filling the dam's reservoir as scheduled during the upcoming rainy season. The country announced last July it had met its first year filling target, infuriating Egypt and Sudan.

Sudan's foreign minister, Mariam al-Sadiq al-Mahdi, told reporters Tuesday that Ethiopia "threatens the people of the Nile basin, and Sudan directly".

"We hope that President Tshisekedi's judgement will be able to end... these interminable and insufficient negotiations in which the Ethiopian side places everyone before a fait accompli, in a way that clearly violates international law and the principles of good neighbourliness," she said.

'The first step'

Ethiopia says power produced by the GERD will be vital to meet the development needs of its 110 million people.

But the two countries downstream fear their lifeline could be threatened.

"We are talking about taking into account all 250 million souls who live in the three countries and their interests," said al-Mahdi.

The head of a team of DRC experts, David Tshishiku, insisted that the Kinshasa talks were simply the beginning of Tshisekedi's efforts to mediate the tricky dispute.

The negotiations were "the first step, on which President Tshisekedi will set out alternatives and working approaches," he told reporters.

Al-Mahdi warned that "without a new programme (for discussions), Ethiopia has an open road to place the people of the region and the entire African continent in danger".

'Unimaginable instability' 
 
The US ambassador in Kinshasa, Mike Hammer, met during the night on Monday for three hours with the delegation chiefs of the three countries in a bid to push matters forward.

Egypt has said the Kinshasa talks are the last chance to reach an agreement, after President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said last week that the region faces "unimaginable stability" over the project.

"Nobody will be permitted to take a single drop of Egypt's water," he said.

Egypt, which depends on the Nile for about 97 percent of its irrigation and drinking water, sees the dam as an existential threat.

Sudan, also downstream, fears its own dams will be compromised if Ethiopia proceeds with filling the GERD before a deal is reached.

Ethiopia said in its statement that it expected the meeting to resume around the third week of April.

Ethiopia on Tuesday accused Egypt and Sudan of obstructing talks on its contested dam on the Nile, which ended with recriminations and little progress. The Democratic Republic of Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi, as the current chair of the African Union, hosted the talks in the latest bid to ease decade-long tensions over the waters of the world's longest river.

Ethiopia on Tuesday accused Egypt and Sudan of obstructing talks on its contested dam on the Nile, which ended with recriminations and little progress. The Democratic Republic of Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi, as the current chair of the African Union, hosted the talks in the latest bid to ease decade-long tensions over the waters of the world's longest river. Ethiopia's construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), set to be Africa's largest hydroelectric project, is seen by both downstream countries as a threat to their own water supply. Ethiopia's foreign ministry, in a statement posted on Twitter, said the meeting failed "due to Egypt and Sudan's rigid stance to make the negotiation and the outcome a tool to affirm their self-claimed water share and foreclose Ethiopia's share." Ethiopia said talks centred on the role of observers to the mediation — South Africa, the United States and the European Union. Egypt and Sudan want them to have the same role as the AU, which Ethiopia said it does not accept. "The two countries followed an approach which seeks to undermine the AU-led process," said the statement, adding that Egypt and Sudan had sought to stall and "obstruct the process" by rejecting the draft communique. The final text, read by DRC foreign minister Marie Tumba Nzeza, simply noted that the meeting had taken place, listed its participants and thanked Tshisekedi for his work. Ethiopia said it would continue with the second stage of filling the dam's reservoir as scheduled during the upcoming rainy season. The country announced last July it had met its first year filling target, infuriating Egypt and Sudan. Sudan's foreign minister, Mariam al-Sadiq al-Mahdi, told reporters Tuesday that Ethiopia "threatens the people of the Nile basin, and Sudan directly". "We hope that President Tshisekedi's judgement will be able to end... these interminable and insufficient negotiations in which the Ethiopian side places everyone before a fait accompli, in a way that clearly violates international law and the principles of good neighbourliness," she said. 'The first step' Ethiopia says power produced by the GERD will be vital to meet the development needs of its 110 million people. But the two countries downstream fear their lifeline could be threatened. "We are talking about taking into account all 250 million souls who live in the three countries and their interests," said al-Mahdi. The head of a team of DRC experts, David Tshishiku, insisted that the Kinshasa talks were simply the beginning of Tshisekedi's efforts to mediate the tricky dispute. The negotiations were "the first step, on which President Tshisekedi will set out alternatives and working approaches," he told reporters. Al-Mahdi warned that "without a new programme (for discussions), Ethiopia has an open road to place the people of the region and the entire African continent in danger". 'Unimaginable instability' The US ambassador in Kinshasa, Mike Hammer, met during the night on Monday for three hours with the delegation chiefs of the three countries in a bid to push matters forward. Egypt has said the Kinshasa talks are the last chance to reach an agreement, after President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said last week that the region faces "unimaginable stability" over the project. "Nobody will be permitted to take a single drop of Egypt's water," he said. Egypt, which depends on the Nile for about 97 percent of its irrigation and drinking water, sees the dam as an existential threat. Sudan, also downstream, fears its own dams will be compromised if Ethiopia proceeds with filling the GERD before a deal is reached. Ethiopia said in its statement that it expected the meeting to resume around the third week of April.

Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan trade blame as Nile dam talks fail

A 'golden procession' of Mummies was held in Egypt. At least 22 mummies have been relocated. Where, Why & What for? Watch this report by WION's Palki.

Gravitas: Why is Egypt relocating Mummies?

The Suez Canal traffic jam finally coming to an end. The blockage east at the vital waterway a US Warship were seen passing through the canal.

Egypt's Suez Canal Authority: Shipping traffic jam over

People in Egypt are set to line the streets to witness a procession of their country's ancient rulers through the capital, Cairo.

A grand parade, in what is called The Pharaohs' Golden Parade, will convey 22 ancient Egyptian royal mummies -- 18 kings and four queens -- in specially designed capsules across the capital Cairo on Saturday to a new museum home where they can be displayed in greater splendour.

The mummies will be relocated to the new National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation -- in chronological order of their reigns - from the 17th Dynasty ruler, Seqenenre Taa II, to Ramses IX, who reigned in the 12th Century BC.

Authorities are shutting down roads along the Nile for the elaborate ceremony, designed to drum up interest in Egypt’s rich collections of antiquities when tourism has almost entirely stalled because of Covid related restrictions.

Each mummy will be placed in a special capsule filled with nitrogen to ensure protection, and the capsules will be carried on carts designed to cradle them and provide stability, Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass said.

Archaeologists discovered the mummies in two batches at the complex of mortuary temples of Deir Al Bahari in Luxor and at the nearby Valley of the Kings from 1871.

The oldest is that of Seqenenre Tao, the last king of the 17th Dynasty, who reigned in the 16th century BC and is thought to have met a violent death.

The parade will also include the mummies of Ramses II, Seti I, and Ahmose-Nefertari.

Fustat was the site of Egypt’s capital under the Umayyad dynasty after the Arab conquest.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/egypt-to-parade-nearly-two-dozen-ancient-mummies-through-cairo-to-their-new-home-375136">WATCH VIDEO:</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/egypt-to-parade-nearly-two-dozen-ancient-mummies-through-cairo-to-their-new-home-375136/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

People in Egypt are set to line the streets to witness a procession of their country's ancient rulers through the capital, Cairo. A grand parade, in what is called The Pharaohs' Golden Parade, will convey 22 ancient Egyptian royal mummies -- 18 kings and four queens -- in specially designed capsules across the capital Cairo on Saturday to a new museum home where they can be displayed in greater splendour.

People in Egypt are set to line the streets to witness a procession of their country's ancient rulers through the capital, Cairo. A grand parade, in what is called The Pharaohs' Golden Parade, will convey 22 ancient Egyptian royal mummies -- 18 kings and four queens -- in specially designed capsules across the capital Cairo on Saturday to a new museum home where they can be displayed in greater splendour. The mummies will be relocated to the new National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation -- in chronological order of their reigns - from the 17th Dynasty ruler, Seqenenre Taa II, to Ramses IX, who reigned in the 12th Century BC. Authorities are shutting down roads along the Nile for the elaborate ceremony, designed to drum up interest in Egypt’s rich collections of antiquities when tourism has almost entirely stalled because of Covid related restrictions. Each mummy will be placed in a special capsule filled with nitrogen to ensure protection, and the capsules will be carried on carts designed to cradle them and provide stability, Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass said. Archaeologists discovered the mummies in two batches at the complex of mortuary temples of Deir Al Bahari in Luxor and at the nearby Valley of the Kings from 1871. The oldest is that of Seqenenre Tao, the last king of the 17th Dynasty, who reigned in the 16th century BC and is thought to have met a violent death. The parade will also include the mummies of Ramses II, Seti I, and Ahmose-Nefertari. Fustat was the site of Egypt’s capital under the Umayyad dynasty after the Arab conquest. WATCH VIDEO: ×

Egyptian mummies to pass through Cairo in ancient rulers' parade

A colossal container ship&nbsp;blocking Egypt's Suez Canal for nearly a week has been partially refloated, the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) said on Monday.

An official from Shoei Kisen said the skyscraper-sized Ever Given was "stuck at an angle of 30 degrees towards the canal but that has eased," adding that the ship "has turned" but it "is not afloat."

The SCA&nbsp;said Ever Given has been straightened in the canal and further tugging operations would resume once the tide rises later on Monday. Marine traffic through the canal will resume once the ship is directed to the lakes area, a wider section of the canal, it added.

A video posted on social media appeared to show the ship's stern had swung around, opening space in the canal.

The 400 metre (430 yard) long Ever Given became wedged diagonally across a southern section of the canal amid high winds early on Tuesday, blocking one of the world's busiest waterways.&nbsp;The obstruction is holding up $9 billion each day in global trade and straining supply chains already burdened by the coronavirus pandemic.

About 15 per cent of world shipping traffic transits the canal and hundreds of vessels are waiting to pass once the blockage is cleared.

At least 369 vessels were waiting to transit the canal, including dozens of container ships, bulk carriers, oil tankers and liquefied natural gas (LNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vessels, SCA Chairman Osama Rabie told Egypt`s Extra News on Sunday.

Rabie earlier said he hoped it would not be necessary to remove some of the 18,300 containers to lighten the ship's load, but that strong tides and winds were complicating efforts to free it.

Tugging attempts restarted on Saturday afternoon and further efforts were planned on Saturday night and Sunday morning, SCA sources said, though they added it could be necessary to remove more sand from around the ship to free it. The Suez Canal Authority had earlier said in a statement that tugging operations to free the ship had resumed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-offers-to-help-egypt-in-freeing-the-suez-canal-ship-373927">Also read |&nbsp;Russia offers to help Egypt in freeing Suez Canal ship</a>

Dredgers removed some 20,000 tonnes of sand from around its bow by Friday. A Dutch firm working to free the vessel said it could be freed by the start of next week if heavier tugboats, dredging and a high tide succeed in dislodging it.

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly on Saturday thanked foreign partners for offers to help refloat the ship.

Fourteen tugs had been involved in efforts to refloat the Ever Given till Saturday.

Shipping rates for oil product tankers nearly doubled after the ship became stranded, and the blockage has disrupted global supply chains, threatening costly delays for companies already dealing with COVID-19 restrictions.

(The headline and the text of the story have been edited to accommodate the statement by the marine services firm.)

A colossal container ship blocking Egypt's Suez Canal for nearly a week has been partially refloated, the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) said on Monday. An official from Shoei Kisen said the skyscraper-sized Ever Given was "stuck at an angle of 30 degrees towards the canal but that has eased," adding that the ship "has turned" but it "is not afloat.

A colossal container ship blocking Egypt's Suez Canal for nearly a week has been partially refloated, the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) said on Monday. An official from Shoei Kisen said the skyscraper-sized Ever Given was "stuck at an angle of 30 degrees towards the canal but that has eased," adding that the ship "has turned" but it "is not afloat." The SCA said Ever Given has been straightened in the canal and further tugging operations would resume once the tide rises later on Monday. Marine traffic through the canal will resume once the ship is directed to the lakes area, a wider section of the canal, it added. A video posted on social media appeared to show the ship's stern had swung around, opening space in the canal. The 400 metre (430 yard) long Ever Given became wedged diagonally across a southern section of the canal amid high winds early on Tuesday, blocking one of the world's busiest waterways. The obstruction is holding up $9 billion each day in global trade and straining supply chains already burdened by the coronavirus pandemic. About 15 per cent of world shipping traffic transits the canal and hundreds of vessels are waiting to pass once the blockage is cleared. At least 369 vessels were waiting to transit the canal, including dozens of container ships, bulk carriers, oil tankers and liquefied natural gas (LNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vessels, SCA Chairman Osama Rabie told Egypt`s Extra News on Sunday. Rabie earlier said he hoped it would not be necessary to remove some of the 18,300 containers to lighten the ship's load, but that strong tides and winds were complicating efforts to free it. Tugging attempts restarted on Saturday afternoon and further efforts were planned on Saturday night and Sunday morning, SCA sources said, though they added it could be necessary to remove more sand from around the ship to free it. The Suez Canal Authority had earlier said in a statement that tugging operations to free the ship had resumed. Also read | Russia offers to help Egypt in freeing Suez Canal ship Dredgers removed some 20,000 tonnes of sand from around its bow by Friday. A Dutch firm working to free the vessel said it could be freed by the start of next week if heavier tugboats, dredging and a high tide succeed in dislodging it. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly on Saturday thanked foreign partners for offers to help refloat the ship. Fourteen tugs had been involved in efforts to refloat the Ever Given till Saturday. Shipping rates for oil product tankers nearly doubled after the ship became stranded, and the blockage has disrupted global supply chains, threatening costly delays for companies already dealing with COVID-19 restrictions. (The headline and the text of the story have been edited to accommodate the statement by the marine services firm.)

Stranded ship blocking Suez Canal partially refloated, more work needed

The ship MV Ever Given has been stuck diagonally in the Suez canal thus blocking the traffic through one of the world's most important waterway.

Suez Canal Crisis: 'Ever Given' remains stuck for sixth day

Five people died and more than 20 were wounded Saturday as a building collapsed in the Egyptian capital Cairo, local authorities said.&nbsp;

"The governorate's crisis room was informed at 3:00 am (0100 GMT) of the collapse of a building consisting of a basement, a ground floor and nine (upper) floors," the Cairo governorate said in a statement. &nbsp;

It said that five people were confirmed dead and 24 wounded in the collapse in the Gesr Suez district near Heliopolis in the east of the city.&nbsp;

"Khaled Abdel Aal, the governor, immediately went to the site of the incident accompanied by civil protection forces," the statement added.&nbsp;

He ordered the "establishment of an engineering committee" to inspect surrounding buildings and evaluate the impact.&nbsp;

Egypt has suffered several deadly building collapses in recent years, due to the dilapidation of many premises and poor adherence to planning regulations. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Five people died and more than 20 were wounded Saturday as a building collapsed in the Egyptian capital Cairo, local authorities said. "The governorate's crisis room was informed at 3:00 am (0100 GMT) of the collapse of a building consisting of a basement, a ground floor and nine (upper) floors," the Cairo governorate said in a statement.

Five people died and more than 20 were wounded Saturday as a building collapsed in the Egyptian capital Cairo, local authorities said. "The governorate's crisis room was informed at 3:00 am (0100 GMT) of the collapse of a building consisting of a basement, a ground floor and nine (upper) floors," the Cairo governorate said in a statement. It said that five people were confirmed dead and 24 wounded in the collapse in the Gesr Suez district near Heliopolis in the east of the city. "Khaled Abdel Aal, the governor, immediately went to the site of the incident accompanied by civil protection forces," the statement added. He ordered the "establishment of an engineering committee" to inspect surrounding buildings and evaluate the impact. Egypt has suffered several deadly building collapses in recent years, due to the dilapidation of many premises and poor adherence to planning regulations.

Five dead as building collapses in Egypt

At least 32 people died and 66 injured after two trains collided in southern Egypt, the health ministry said on Thursday.&nbsp;

Three carriages derailed as a result of the accident in the province of Sohag, the health ministry and a local official confirmed.&nbsp;

The statement by the health ministry said "32 people were killed and 66 injured" and sent to the hospital.&nbsp;

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Friday called for "deterrent punishment" for those responsible for the collision of two passenger trains.&nbsp;

"Anyone who caused this painful accident through negligence or corruption, or anything similar, must receive a deterrent punishment without exception or delay," he said in a tweet.

Several people were seen gathered around an overturned carriage of one of the trains.&nbsp;

News agency AFP reported springs and twisted metal jutted out from another carriage.&nbsp;

Egypt's rail authority said that some passengers had "activated emergency brakes in several carriages" which led to the accident.&nbsp;

In recent years, several train accidents have occurred in Egypt, something that tells about the nation's poor railway infrastructure.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

At least 32 people died and 66 injured after two trains collided in southern Egypt, the health ministry said on Thursday. Three carriages derailed as a result of the accident in the province of Sohag, the health ministry and a local official confirmed.

At least 32 people died and 66 injured after two trains collided in southern Egypt, the health ministry said on Thursday. Three carriages derailed as a result of the accident in the province of Sohag, the health ministry and a local official confirmed. The statement by the health ministry said "32 people were killed and 66 injured" and sent to the hospital. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Friday called for "deterrent punishment" for those responsible for the collision of two passenger trains. "Anyone who caused this painful accident through negligence or corruption, or anything similar, must receive a deterrent punishment without exception or delay," he said in a tweet. Several people were seen gathered around an overturned carriage of one of the trains. News agency AFP reported springs and twisted metal jutted out from another carriage. Egypt's rail authority said that some passengers had "activated emergency brakes in several carriages" which led to the accident. In recent years, several train accidents have occurred in Egypt, something that tells about the nation's poor railway infrastructure.

At least 32 killed, 66 wounded in Egypt train collision

What does the block on Suez Canal after the container ship Ever Given ran aground mean for global supply chains, trade and oil prices? How long will the blockade last? Watch the video to know more.

Know how Suez block jeopardises supply chains

A huge cargo ship wedged across Egypt’s Suez Canal brought global shipping to a halt Thursday as at least 150 other vessels needing to pass through the crucial waterway idled waiting for the obstruction to clear.

Efforts to dislodge the 400 m (1,312 foot) long container vessel resumed at high tide on Thursday -- with five tugs working to drag the vessel to deeper water, according to ship-tracking data.

The Ever Given vessel ran aground diagonally across the single-lane stretch of the southern canal on Tuesday morning after losing the ability to steer amid high winds and a dust storm, the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) said in a statement. It is now blocking transit in both directions through one of the world's busiest shipping channels for goods, oil, grain and other products linking Asia and Europe.

In the time since, efforts to free the ship using dredgers, digging and the aid of high tides have yet to push the container vessel aside.

Peter Berdowski, CEO of Dutch company Boskalis, which is trying to free the ship, said it was too early to say how long the job might take. He said the ship's bow and stern had been lifted up against either side of the canal.

Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM), the technical manager of Ever Given, said dredgers were working to clear sand and mud from around the vessel to free her while tugboats in conjunction with Ever Given's winches are working to shift it.

Marine services firm GAC issued a note to clients overnight saying efforts to free the vessel using tug boats continued, but that wind conditions and the sheer size of the vessel "were hindering the operation".

Ship-tracking software shows five tugs surrounding the Ever Given and three more heading towards it. The ship`s GPS signal shows only minor changes to its position over the past 24 hours, however.

Several dozen vessels, including other large container ships, tankers carrying oil and gas, and bulk vessels hauling grain have backed up at either end of the canal to create one of the worst shipping jams seen for years. Tug boats also nudged the vessel alongside it, trying to gain momentum. From the shore, at least one backhoe dug into the canal’s sandy banks, suggesting the bow of the ship had plowed into it.

Shipping experts say that if the blockage is not likely to be cleared within the next 24-48 hours, some shipping firms may be forced to re-route vessels around the southern tip of Africa, which would add roughly a week to the journey.

(with inputs)

A huge cargo ship wedged across Egypt’s Suez Canal brought global shipping to a halt Thursday as at least 150 other vessels needing to pass through the crucial waterway idled waiting for the obstruction to clear.

A huge cargo ship wedged across Egypt’s Suez Canal brought global shipping to a halt Thursday as at least 150 other vessels needing to pass through the crucial waterway idled waiting for the obstruction to clear. Efforts to dislodge the 400 m (1,312 foot) long container vessel resumed at high tide on Thursday -- with five tugs working to drag the vessel to deeper water, according to ship-tracking data. The Ever Given vessel ran aground diagonally across the single-lane stretch of the southern canal on Tuesday morning after losing the ability to steer amid high winds and a dust storm, the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) said in a statement. It is now blocking transit in both directions through one of the world's busiest shipping channels for goods, oil, grain and other products linking Asia and Europe. In the time since, efforts to free the ship using dredgers, digging and the aid of high tides have yet to push the container vessel aside. Peter Berdowski, CEO of Dutch company Boskalis, which is trying to free the ship, said it was too early to say how long the job might take. He said the ship's bow and stern had been lifted up against either side of the canal. Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM), the technical manager of Ever Given, said dredgers were working to clear sand and mud from around the vessel to free her while tugboats in conjunction with Ever Given's winches are working to shift it. Marine services firm GAC issued a note to clients overnight saying efforts to free the vessel using tug boats continued, but that wind conditions and the sheer size of the vessel "were hindering the operation". Ship-tracking software shows five tugs surrounding the Ever Given and three more heading towards it. The ship`s GPS signal shows only minor changes to its position over the past 24 hours, however. Several dozen vessels, including other large container ships, tankers carrying oil and gas, and bulk vessels hauling grain have backed up at either end of the canal to create one of the worst shipping jams seen for years. Tug boats also nudged the vessel alongside it, trying to gain momentum. From the shore, at least one backhoe dug into the canal’s sandy banks, suggesting the bow of the ship had plowed into it. Shipping experts say that if the blockage is not likely to be cleared within the next 24-48 hours, some shipping firms may be forced to re-route vessels around the southern tip of Africa, which would add roughly a week to the journey. (with inputs)

Cargo ship remains stuck in Suez Canal; wind conditions adding to the woes

Egypt is shifting its capital city. Thousands will relocate from Cairo to the new administrative capital. What's the reason behind this relocation? Which other countries have changed their capitals? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a detailed report.

Gravitas: Egypt is relocating its capital city

An Egyptian court has sentenced prominent activist Sanaa Seif to a year and a half in prison for 'spreading false news'.

A Cairo criminal court on Wednesday convicted Seif for spreading and broadcasting false news that would cause panic, the false allegation of the spread of the coronavirus in prisons and misusing social media sites. Seif has the right to appeal the ruling within 60 days, judicial sources said.

Seif was detained in June 2019 outside the public prosecutor’s office as she tried to file a complaint about the detention conditions of her brother Alaa Abdel Fattah, one of Egypt’s best-known activists, their family says. She was also among the activists who had campaigned on social media for the release of some prisoners amid fears that coronavirus would spread in prisons.

Three other members of her family were briefly detained in March 2020 for protesting over the same issue.

Seif's brother Alaa, a leading activist in the 2011 uprising that toppled former President Hosni Mubarak, was detained in September 2019, six months after his release from a five-year prison term.

Western countries, meanwhile, have called on Egypt to end the prosecution of activists, journalists and perceived political opponents under counter-terrorism laws, and to unconditionally release them.

An Egyptian court has sentenced prominent activist Sanaa Seif to a year and a half in prison for 'spreading false news'. A Cairo criminal court on Wednesday convicted Seif for spreading and broadcasting false news that would cause panic, the false allegation of the spread of the coronavirus in prisons and misusing social media sites.

An Egyptian court has sentenced prominent activist Sanaa Seif to a year and a half in prison for 'spreading false news'. A Cairo criminal court on Wednesday convicted Seif for spreading and broadcasting false news that would cause panic, the false allegation of the spread of the coronavirus in prisons and misusing social media sites. Seif has the right to appeal the ruling within 60 days, judicial sources said. Seif was detained in June 2019 outside the public prosecutor’s office as she tried to file a complaint about the detention conditions of her brother Alaa Abdel Fattah, one of Egypt’s best-known activists, their family says. She was also among the activists who had campaigned on social media for the release of some prisoners amid fears that coronavirus would spread in prisons. Three other members of her family were briefly detained in March 2020 for protesting over the same issue. Seif's brother Alaa, a leading activist in the 2011 uprising that toppled former President Hosni Mubarak, was detained in September 2019, six months after his release from a five-year prison term. Western countries, meanwhile, have called on Egypt to end the prosecution of activists, journalists and perceived political opponents under counter-terrorism laws, and to unconditionally release them.

Egyptian activist sentenced to 18 months for ‘fake news’

Archaeologists have discovered a 5,000-year-old brewery that could produce thousands of liters of beer in the ancient Egyptian city of Abydos, Egypt's tourism and antiquities ministry said. The brewery, which had a production capacity of 22,400 liters, was split into eight sections each containing 40 clay pots used to warm mixtures of grain and water.

5,000-year-old beer factory | Ancient mass production brewery uncovered in Egypt

Celebrations and drinking go hand-in-hand on many occasions and manufacture of alcoholic beverages is a millions-worth industry. Our ancestors loved to drink too. Our scriptures and folk tales are full of them. But definitive proof of industrial production of a chilled refreshment has (perhaps) been found for the first time. A high production brewery believed to be more than 5000 years old has been unearthed in Egypt by a team of archaeologists, said the tourism ministry on Sunday.

The brewery likely dates back to the era of King Narmer, it quoted the secretary-general of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, Mostafa Waziry, as saying, adding it believed the find to "be the oldest high-production brewery in the world."

King Narmer ruled more than 5000 years ago and founded the First Dynasty and unified Upper and Lower Egypt. Existence of the brewery was known since the beginning of the 20-th century, but the exact location was never precisely determined.

The joint Egyptian-American team "was able to re-locate and uncover its contents", said the statement from the ministry.

According to Waziry, the brewery consisted of eight large areas which were used as "units for beer production".

<img alt="Egypt beer brewery" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e5a168e6-7c98-4a83-8f51-96f9bf3ae46d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Egypt%20brewery.jpg" />

Each sector contained about 40 earthenware pots arranged in two rows.

A mixture of grains and water used for beer production was heated in the vats, with each basin "held in place by levers made of clay placed vertically in the form of rings".

Brew for 'royal rituals'

Archaeologist Matthew Adams of New York University, who heads the joint mission with Deborah Vischak of Princeton University, said studies have shown that beer was produced at a large scale, with about 22,400 litres made at a time.

The brewery "may have been built in this place specifically to supply the royal rituals that were taking place inside the funeral facilities of the kings of Egypt", the statement quoted him as saying.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/gamers-listen-up-even-pigs-can-play-video-games-study-has-found-363689">Gamers listen up! Even pigs can play video games, study has found</a>

"Evidence for the use of beer in sacrificial rites was found during excavations in these facilities," the statement said.

Evidence of beer-making in ancient Egypt is not new, and past discoveries have shed light on such production.&nbsp;

Fragments of pottery used by Egyptians to make beer and dating back 5,000 years were discovered on a building site in Tel Aviv, the Israeli Antiquities Authority announced in 2015.

Abydos, where the latest discovery was unearthed, has yielded many treasures over the years and is famed for its temples, such as that of Seti I.

In 2000, a team of US archaeologists brought to light in Abydos the earliest known example of an ancient Egyptian solar barge, dating back to the first Pharaonic dynasty around 5,000 years ago.

Egypt has announced several major new discoveries which it hopes will spur tourism, a sector which has suffered multiple blows -- from a 2011 uprising to the coronavirus pandemic.

A mission working near Alexandria recently discovered several mummies from around 2,000 years ago bearing golden-tongued amulets -- thought to have been placed in the mouths of the dead to ensure they could speak in the afterlife.

Authorities had expected 15 million tourists to visit Egypt in 2020, compared to 13 million the previous year, but the virus has kept holidaymakers away.

(With AFP inputs)

Celebrations and drinking go hand-in-hand on many occasions and manufacture of alcoholic beverages is a millions-worth industry. Our ancestors loved to drink too.

Celebrations and drinking go hand-in-hand on many occasions and manufacture of alcoholic beverages is a millions-worth industry. Our ancestors loved to drink too. Our scriptures and folk tales are full of them. But definitive proof of industrial production of a chilled refreshment has (perhaps) been found for the first time. A high production brewery believed to be more than 5000 years old has been unearthed in Egypt by a team of archaeologists, said the tourism ministry on Sunday. The brewery likely dates back to the era of King Narmer, it quoted the secretary-general of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, Mostafa Waziry, as saying, adding it believed the find to "be the oldest high-production brewery in the world." King Narmer ruled more than 5000 years ago and founded the First Dynasty and unified Upper and Lower Egypt. Existence of the brewery was known since the beginning of the 20-th century, but the exact location was never precisely determined. The joint Egyptian-American team "was able to re-locate and uncover its contents", said the statement from the ministry. According to Waziry, the brewery consisted of eight large areas which were used as "units for beer production". Each sector contained about 40 earthenware pots arranged in two rows. A mixture of grains and water used for beer production was heated in the vats, with each basin "held in place by levers made of clay placed vertically in the form of rings". Brew for 'royal rituals' Archaeologist Matthew Adams of New York University, who heads the joint mission with Deborah Vischak of Princeton University, said studies have shown that beer was produced at a large scale, with about 22,400 litres made at a time. The brewery "may have been built in this place specifically to supply the royal rituals that were taking place inside the funeral facilities of the kings of Egypt", the statement quoted him as saying. Also Read | Gamers listen up! Even pigs can play video games, study has found "Evidence for the use of beer in sacrificial rites was found during excavations in these facilities," the statement said. Evidence of beer-making in ancient Egypt is not new, and past discoveries have shed light on such production. Fragments of pottery used by Egyptians to make beer and dating back 5,000 years were discovered on a building site in Tel Aviv, the Israeli Antiquities Authority announced in 2015. Abydos, where the latest discovery was unearthed, has yielded many treasures over the years and is famed for its temples, such as that of Seti I. In 2000, a team of US archaeologists brought to light in Abydos the earliest known example of an ancient Egyptian solar barge, dating back to the first Pharaonic dynasty around 5,000 years ago. Egypt has announced several major new discoveries which it hopes will spur tourism, a sector which has suffered multiple blows -- from a 2011 uprising to the coronavirus pandemic. A mission working near Alexandria recently discovered several mummies from around 2,000 years ago bearing golden-tongued amulets -- thought to have been placed in the mouths of the dead to ensure they could speak in the afterlife. Authorities had expected 15 million tourists to visit Egypt in 2020, compared to 13 million the previous year, but the virus has kept holidaymakers away. (With AFP inputs)

Archaeologists unearth 'world's oldest' beer brewery in Egypt

Residents of Cairo's Asmarat neighbourhood can now watch musical performances from their own balconies, thanks to this mobile theatre roaming Egypt's impoverished neighbourhoods to spread cultural awareness.

Mobile theatres on mission to spread art in every Egyptian neighbourhood

egypt

Egypt, News on Egypt, stories on Egypt, articles on Egypt, Egypt stories at Wion, Egypt news, Egypt latest news