Egyptian archaeologists have completed a two-year excavation of a 3,000-year-old gold mining settlement at Jabal Sukari. The complex included advanced gold extraction facilities, a settlement area, and inscriptions in multiple languages. To protect this heritage from modern mining, fragile structures were relocated, and a replica was built for tourism. This site provides crucial insights into ancient Egyptian gold production and the lives of its workers.
Egyptian archaeologists have unveiled a significant archaeological find at Jabal Sukari, located near the Red Sea, after a two-year excavation and preservation effort. This site, which dates back 3,000 years, reveals a complex of gold mining operations that is currently at risk due to modern mining activities. The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities conducted extensive studies and relocated vital structures for their protection before these activities began.
The excavations revealed an intricate gold extraction facility comprising grinding and crushing stations, filtration basins, and clay smelting furnaces. In addition to the industrial area, researchers found an adjacent settlement that contained workshops, administrative buildings, temples, and baths, providing a glimpse into the historical community that once thrived there.
Inscriptions found at the site in hieroglyphs, Demotic, and Greek indicate that a diverse group of people once occupied this bustling settlement. To preserve its legacy, fragile structures have been relocated two miles away from areas of active mining, and a full-scale replica has been constructed to attract tourism and educate visitors about the rich history of gold production in ancient Egypt.
These discoveries not only enhance our understanding of ancient gold extraction techniques but also shed light on the daily lives of the workers who facilitated Egypt’s mining industry thousands of years ago.
The excavation at Jabal Sukari has unveiled a remarkable 3,000-year-old gold mining settlement, illustrating advanced extraction techniques and insights into the ancient community. The precautionary measures taken to relocate and preserve key structures demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding Egypt’s historical heritage amidst modern threats. Ultimately, these findings enhance our understanding of the rich history surrounding gold production in the region.
Original Source: newscentral.africa