Egyptian archaeologists have unearthed one of the largest military fortresses ever discovered from the New Kingdom period at Tel Kharruba in North Sinai, revealing sophisticated defensive architecture that protected Egypt's eastern borders over 3,000 years ago. The discovery sheds new light on ancient Egypt's military prowess and strategic planning along the crucial Horus Military Route.
The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the remarkable find at Tel Kharruba archaeological site near Sheikh Zuweid in North Sinai, close to the Mediterranean coast. The fortress covers approximately 8,000 square meters, making it three times larger than a previously discovered fortress at the same site from the 1980s. Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy emphasized that this discovery represents tangible evidence of ancient Egyptian genius in building integrated defensive systems to protect ancient Egypt's homeland.
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Sophisticated Military Architecture Revealed
Excavations have revealed impressive architectural features that demonstrate the military sophistication of New Kingdom Egypt. The team uncovered approximately 105 meters (345 ft) of the southern wall, measuring 2.5 meters (8.2 ft) thick, with a secondary entrance spanning 2.20 meters (7.2 ft) wide. Eleven defensive towers have been identified so far, along with portions of the northern and western walls.
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Fortress wall recently discovered at Tel Kharruba, Egypt. (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)
Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained that discovering this massive fortress represents a crucial step in reconstructing the complete picture of Egyptian fortification networks along the eastern borders during the New Kingdom. The fortress features a distinctive zigzag wall extending 75 meters (246 ft) on the western side, dividing the structure from north to south and enclosing residential areas designated for soldiers.
Artifacts Link Fortress to Pharaonic Dynasty
The excavation team made significant discoveries that help date and contextualize the fortress. Among the most important finds were foundation deposits beneath one of the towers, containing pottery fragments and vessels dating to the first half of the 18th Dynasty. Archaeologists also discovered a jar handle bearing the seal of King Thutmose I, providing direct royal connection to this military installation.
Professor Mohamed Abdel Badie, head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, noted that the team found volcanic stones likely transported by sea from Greek island volcanoes, alongside a large bread-making oven with quantities of petrified dough. These discoveries confirm that the fortress served as a comprehensive center for soldiers' daily life, not merely a defensive outpost.
Pottery fragments and vessels dating to the first half of the 18th Dynasty found at the site. (MOTA)
Strategic Importance of Horus Military Route
The fortress forms part of the ancient Horus Military Route, which extended 350 kilometers (218 miles) from Tharu near modern Qantara to Egypt's border city of Rafah. Dr. Hisham Hussein, head of the Central Administration for Lower Egypt Antiquities, revealed that preliminary studies show the fortress underwent multiple renovation and modification phases across different periods, including several alterations to the southern entrance design.
The discovery adds to a chain of military fortresses found along the Horus Military Route, including Tel Habua, Tel al-Borg, and Tel al-Abyad, all dating to the New Kingdom period. The team expects to uncover additional walls and associated structures, with hopes of locating the military harbor that would have served the fortress near the coastal area.
This remarkable discovery not only enhances our understanding of New Kingdom military strategy but also demonstrates Egypt's sophisticated approach to border defense and territorial control during one of its most powerful historical periods.
Top image: Excavated defensive walls and towers of the New Kingdom fortress at Tel Kharruba, North Sinai Source: MOTA
By Gary Manners
References
Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. 2025. Discovery of New Military Fortress from the New Kingdom Period on the Horus Military Route in Sinai. Available at: https://mota.gov.eg/ar/الأخبار-2-1-1/حصون-الشرق-اكتشاف-قلعة-عسكرية-جديدة-من-عصر-الدولة-الحديثة-على-طريق-حورس-الحربي-بسيناء/
