The temple had been ritually demolished in ancient times.
Archaeologists have unearthed the remains of a 4,500-year-old temple dedicated to the Egyptian sun god Ra at the site of Abu Ghurab, about 12 miles south of Cairo.
The sun cult was a powerful cult in ancient Egyptian religion. In later times, Ra merged with Amun — the chief god of Thebes — to form Amun-Ra who was regarded, at least by some Egyptians, as being the most powerful of the Egyptian gods. He was worshiped until around 1,500 years ago, the time that Egyptian polytheism became extinct.
The archaeologists found two deposits of artifacts, one of which has dozens of intact beer jars and a few jars decorated with red, while the other contains seal impressions, including the seals of pharaohs who ruled during the fifth and sixth dynasties. One of the earliest seals belongs to Shepseskare, an"enigmatic" pharaoh who ruled Egypt before Niuserre, Nuzzolo said. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City lists Shepseskare as reigning from circa 2438 B.C to 2431 B.C.
Archaeologists aren't sure which pharaoh began construction of the mud brick sun temple, but it was likely either Shepseskare or Raneferef, Nuzzolo said.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Man Behind Bin LadenRevisit lawrence_wright on the surgeon who became a master of terror.
Read more »
New outdoor movie theater opening in SFThe theater will screen indie films, cult classics and movies with local ties.
Read more »
‘Working Girl’ Is Returning to Screens, Thanks to Selena GomezThanks to Selena Gomez, the ’80s cult classic 'Working Girl' is returning to screens
Read more »
Researchers reveal how an insect-eating plant uses rain energy to power its trapsScientists at the University of Bristol have uncovered the deadly workings of a carnivorous plant.
Read more »
2 Suspects In Custody Following Double Shooting At SEPTA's Arrott Transportation Center: Philadelphia PoliceBREAKING OVERNIGHT: A double shooting at SEPTA’s Arrott Transportation Center set off a chaotic chain of events, including a police chase. Two victims are currently recovering at Temple University Hospital. RossDiMattei has the latest details.
Read more »