An Egyptian archaeological mission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) has uncovered a series of significant discoveries at the ancient site of Ihnasya (Heracleopolis Magna) in Beni Suef, offering fresh insights into the city’s religious, cultural, and economic importance during the Pharaonic, Greek, and Roman periods. The mission, led by Mohamed Ibrahim, Director General of Antiquities in Beni Suef, unearthed a reused stone block bearing the cartouche of King Senusret III, including both his throne and birth names. Archaeologists also discovered another cartouche inscribed with the name of the deity Osiris Naref, one of the principal gods worshipped in Ihnasya during the ancient Egyptian and Ptolemaic eras. Among the most remarkable finds are newly identified extensions of a Roman basilica, remains of an ancient Doric temple, and a rare marble head of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. The excavation team also uncovered fragments of wall statues and terracotta moulds used for minting coins during the Roman period. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy described the discoveries as an important scientific and archaeological achievement that underscores the exceptional historical significance of Ihnasya and reflects the rich cultural diversity that characterised Egypt throughout its long history. He stressed that the ministry remains committed to developing archaeological sites nationwide and opening new destinations to visitors as part of a broader strategy to diversify Egypt’s cultural tourism offerings. Hesham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the SCA, said the discovery of a cartouche bearing the name of Senusret III is particularly significant, noting that the Middle Kingdom ruler was associated with several important monuments in Ihnasya. According to El-Leithy, the find reinforces the city’s sacred status during the Middle Kingdom and contributes to a deeper understanding of its religious and political importance. He added that the newly uncovered extensions of the Roman basilica provide valuable insight into the architectural evolution and changing functions of basilica buildings over time. During the Greek period, basilicas served as public spaces for administrative, commercial, and civic activities before later evolving into churches during the early Christian era. Mohamed Abdel Badie, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the SCA, explained that preliminary studies indicate that architectural elements from the ancient Doric temple were reused during the 6th century AD as foundations and flooring for the basilica’s massive columns. Builders carefully rearranged large stone blocks to create a stable base capable of supporting columns weighing up to 45 tonnes. Three of these columns remain standing in their original positions today, offering valuable evidence of the engineering techniques employed during the period. Abdel Badie also highlighted the significance of the marble head of Aphrodite, describing it as a rare artistic artefact measuring approximately 24 by 25 centimetres. The sculpture displays exceptional craftsmanship, with finely carved facial features and intricately styled curly hair that reflect the classical artistic traditions of the Greek and Roman periods. Sami Dardiri, Head of the Central Administration of Middle Egypt Antiquities, said that the wall-statue fragments and coin-minting moulds discovered at the site provide further evidence of Ihnasya’s prosperity and economic vitality during the Roman era. He noted that archaeological teams are continuing scientific studies, conservation work, and dating analyses to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the newly discovered artefacts and their historical context. Ihnasya is among Egypt’s most significant archaeological sites. It served as the capital of Egypt during the Ninth and Tenth Dynasties and was the administrative centre of the Twentieth Nome of Upper Egypt. The city maintained its prominence throughout the Middle Kingdom, New Kingdom, and Third Intermediate Period. During the Greek and Roman eras, it flourished under the name Heracleopolis Magna, meaning “City of the Great Heracles.” The latest discoveries form part of the Supreme Council of Antiquities’ ongoing efforts to uncover new dimensions of Egypt’s ancient civilisation, advance archaeological research, preserve the country’s cultural heritage, and promote it internationally. The post Egyptian archaeologists unearth rare Aphrodite head, Roman basilica remains at Ihnasya first appeared on Dailynewsegypt.
