Archaeologists in Egypt have excavated a 3,000-year-old gold mining settlement at Jabal Sukari. The site features an advanced gold extraction facility and adjacent settlement structures. Modern mining poses a threat, leading to site relocation efforts. Inscriptions indicate a diverse community lived there, and the discoveries enhance understanding of ancient mining practices.
Egyptian archaeologists have announced the successful completion of a two-year excavation and preservation effort at the Jabal Sukari site near the Red Sea, uncovering an extensive gold mining settlement that dates back 3,000 years. This historical site faces threats from contemporary mining activities, prompting a thorough investigation by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, which has also facilitated the relocation of key structures to ensure their preservation.
The excavation revealed an advanced gold extraction facility featuring various components, such as grinding and crushing stations, filtration basins, and clay smelting furnaces. Additionally, adjacent to this industrial area, the researchers identified a settlement that boasted workshops, administrative buildings, temples, and baths.
Inscriptions found at the site, written in hieroglyphs, Demotic, and Greek, indicate that a diverse community was once engaged in the mining operations. To protect this invaluable historical legacy, fragile structures have been relocated two miles from the active mining region, and a full-scale replica has been constructed to draw tourists.
These discoveries offer significant insights into ancient gold production techniques, as well as the everyday lives of the workers who contributed to Egypt’s mining industry thousands of years ago.
The excavation at Jabal Sukari has unveiled a remarkable 3,000-year-old gold mining settlement, rich with historical significance. The evidence of a diverse community and sophisticated mining techniques sheds light on the ancient Egyptian economy and culture. Efforts to protect and promote the site illustrate the importance of preserving heritage amidst modern challenges.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
