Archaeologists have uncovered an ancient Egyptian temple, hidden in a cliff face at the site of Athribis, dating back around 2,100 years. Located near the modern city of Sohag, excavations of the temple began in 2022.
The stone temple, which appears to have been dedicated to the goddess Repit, features reliefs depicting King Ptolemy VIII (who reigned from circa 170 to 116 BC) making offerings to Repit and her son Kolanthes. However, according to project leader Christian Leitz in an email to LiveScience, the specific name of the building remains unknown, and further research is needed to confirm its purpose.
Among the discoveries is a chamber containing utensils and amphorae, ancient clay vessels with two handles and a narrow neck. Reliefs at the entrance of this chamber show the goddess Repit alongside Min-Ra, her consort and a fertility god. In one relief, Min-Ra is accompanied by two decans—star figures with humanoid bodies and animal heads, including a falcon and an ibis.
This temple is part of a larger temple district at Athribis, which archaeologists have been excavating since 2012. The ongoing work continues to provide fascinating insights into Egypt’s ancient religious practices.
