British archaeologists have uncovered multistory buildings from the Ptolemaic Period in the ancient Egyptian city of Imet, shedding light on the advanced urban development and complex infrastructure of this once-thriving city in the Nile Delta.
Located at the archaeological site of Tell el-Fara’in, the city of Imet, known in antiquity as Buto, has long been a subject of fascination for historians and archaeologists. The latest excavation, led by the University of Manchester in collaboration with the University of Sadat City in Cairo, has revealed a series of remarkable architectural features, including multi-level structures supported by thick foundation walls, granaries, ceremonial roads, and a network of additional buildings. These findings suggest that Imet was a densely populated and economically vibrant urban center during the Ptolemaic Period, which spanned from 332 B.C. to 30 B.C.
Dr. Nicky Nielsen, a lecturer at the University of Manchester and a key figure in the excavation, emphasized that the discovery was made possible through the use of advanced remote sensing and satellite imagery technologies. These high-tech methods allowed researchers to detect clusters of ancient mudbricks and other architectural remains before excavation began. The use of such cutting-edge techniques marks a significant shift in archaeological methodology, offering a more precise and non-invasive way to explore ancient sites. The findings indicate that the city of Imet was not only well-planned but also adapted to the evolving needs of its urban environment, with towers and multi-level structures designed to accommodate a growing population.
Among the most intriguing discoveries are the remains of granaries, which suggest the city’s role as a key economic hub in the Nile Delta. Additionally, the presence of a ceremonial road associated with the cult of Wadjet, the cobra goddess, indicates a strong religious significance for the city. The road, which once connected to the temple of Wadjet, was found to have fallen out of use by the mid-Ptolemaic period, providing insight into the changing religious landscapes of Ancient Egypt. The discovery of a large building with a limestone plaster floor and massive pillars further underscores the city’s architectural grandeur and its role as a center of worship and governance.
Artifacts recovered from the site include an ushabti, a stone slab depicting the god Harpocrates, and a bronze sistrum of Hathor, the goddess of music and joy. These items highlight the city’s rich cultural and spiritual life, as well as its artistic and religious traditions. The excavation also revealed evidence of animal enclosures, suggesting a diverse economy that included both agricultural and pastoral activities. The presence of these features indicates that Imet was not only a religious and administrative center but also a place of significant economic activity and social complexity.
The significance of the discovery extends beyond the immediate findings. As Dr. Nielsen noted, the excavation is helping to advance our understanding of the urban, religious, and economic life of Imet during the 4th century B.C. The site is emerging as a key location for rethinking the archaeology of Late Period Egypt, challenging existing models of ancient urban development and providing new perspectives on the civilization’s social and political structures. These findings are expected to contribute to ongoing research into the broader context of ancient Egyptian society, including its interactions with neighboring cultures and its evolving economic systems.
Furthermore, the excavation continues to reveal new layers of history, with the latest discoveries complementing other recent finds in Egypt. In May, local archaeologists uncovered tombs of high-ranking New Kingdom officials, while a University of Pennsylvania professor discussed the unearthing of a tomb attributed to an unknown pharaoh near Abydos. These findings, along with those from Imet, underscore the ongoing significance of Egypt as a treasure trove of ancient history, where each new discovery continues to reshape our understanding of this ancient civilization.