Excavation of 4,400-Year-Old Sun Temple in Egypt

More than half of the sun temple of the pharaoh Niuserre has been uncovered in the Abusir necropolis in Egypt. Niuserre ruled from about 2420 to 2389 B.C. during the 5th Dynasty. The monumental temple complex, which once covered more than 10,000 square feet, revealed its entrance, the original floor, the base of a limestone column, parts of a granite column believed to be from the entrance portico, and granite doorframes and lintels.

A massive threshold inscribed with a hieroglyphic calendar of the temple's religious festivals and references to Niuserre was also found. Additionally, a ramp likely connecting the temple to the Nile River or one of its branches was discovered.

Artifacts recovered include two wooden playing pieces from the ancient game of Senet. This excavation, reported by Ahram Online and involving researchers Massimiliano Nuzzolo from the University of Turin and Rossana Perilli from the University of Naples, provides crucial insights into the architectural and cultural practices of ancient Egyptian civilization during the Old Kingdom period.