Researchers have discovered the ruins of a huge Roman bath at the San El-Hagar archaeological site in Egypt.
Alongside the 52-foot-long red brick structure, archaeologists also unearthed pottery vessels, terracotta statues, bronze tools, a chunk of engraved stone, and a statue of a ram.
The most remarkable artifact, however, is among the smallest.
A gold coin depicting the face of King Ptolemy III, a 3rd century ruler said to be an ancestor of Cleopatra, was also found at the site.
The huge red brick building was likely part of a Greco-Roman era bath, says Dr. Ayman Ashmawy, Head of the Ancient Egyptian Antiquities. It is roughly 16 meters long and 3.5 meters wide
According to the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities, the coin was made during the reign of King Ptolemy IV, in memory of his father.
It measures 2.6 centimeters across, and weighs roughly 28 grams.
On the side opposite the portrait, letters translating to ‘Land of Prosperity’ were engraved, along with the name of the king.
The huge red brick building was likely part of a Greco-Roman era bath, says Dr. Ayman Ashmawy, Head of the Ancient Egyptian Antiquities.
It is roughly 16 meters long and 3.5 meters wide.
As work continues at the archaeological site, the researchers hope to uncover more details about the building and its function many centuries ago.
The most remarkable artifact, however, is among the smallest. A gold coin depicting the face of King Ptolemy III, a 3rd century ruler said to be an ancestor of Cleopatra, was also found at the site
Alongside the 52-foot-long red brick structure, archaeologists also unearthed pottery vessels, terracotta statues, bronze tools, a chunk of engraved stone, and a statue of a ram
Excavations over the last few years have unearthed countless remarkable artifacts from ancient Egypt, which the country hopes will spur tourism to the area.
Just last month archaeologists announced the discovery of a rare Roman bust in the southern city of Aswan.
A team doing work at the Temple of Kom Ombo to protect the site from groundwater stumbled upon a sculpted head of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius – an unusual find for this site, according to the Antiquities Ministry.
As work continues at the archaeological site, the researchers hope to uncover more details about the building and its function many centuries ago
Aurelius ruled from 161-180 AD, and his death is said to have marked the beginning of the end for the Western Roman Empire.
In addition to the bust, archaeologists excavating a site a few hours north of Aswan discovered artifacts from a shrine to the god Osiris-Ptah-Neb, in the ancient temple Karnak.
Excavations over the last few years have unearthed countless remarkable artefacts from ancient Egypt, which the country hopes will spur tourism to the area
The discoveries at Karnak, in the city of Luxor, include parts of a stone panel depicting a ram and a goose – symbols of the ancient Egyptian god Amun – on an offering table, with a winged sun-disk at the top.
The team also found the entrance to the shrine itself, with several columns and inner walls, along with the remains of a third chamber, foundation stones, and the shrine’s floor unearthed at the site.
Researchers have discovered the ruins of a huge Roman bath at the San El-Hagar (in Tanis) archaeological site in Egypt