A millennia-old sacred lake, concealed from the world and undocumented in any ancient scripture, has been unearthed at Karnak, prompting scholars to re-evaluate the layout of the entire temple complex dedicated to the god Montu.
A collaborative archaeological mission involving Egyptian and Chinese researchers has reported a significant finding within the Karnak Temple complex situated in Luxor. During their excavation, investigators uncovered a previously unidentified artificial body of water, which initial assessments suggest is an ancient ritual basin. This structure, located to the west of the Temple of the goddess Ma’at, spans over 50 square meters and is in acceptable condition considering its antiquity.
The complete absence of this feature in known historical records suggests it was either buried deep underground for an extended period or simply overlooked by earlier investigations. Experts hypothesize that this reservoir might have functioned as an element within a more elaborate hydraulic network that included basins already mapped. Its alignment along a north-south axis compels researchers to rethink current established concepts regarding the overall organization of the temple precinct consecrated to the war god Montu.
In ancient Egyptian civilization, such pools were pivotal for priests’ ceremonial purification rites and served as emblems of the primordial foundation of existence. Consequently, this discovery sheds fresh light not only on construction techniques but also on the religious customs prevalent during that era. In addition to the reservoir itself, the expedition recovered several other artifacts: pieces of bovine jawbones, worked stone blocks, and statuettes of Osiris. These finds assist in pinpointing the various construction phases of the complex and enhancing comprehension of Thebes’ history during the periods when high religious offices were held by figures from the 25th and 26th Dynasties, thereby making a crucial contribution to the study of ancient Egypt’s political and religious dynamics.
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