Lost City of Gold Emerges from Egypt’s Eastern Desert
After lying buried beneath the sands of Egypt’s Eastern Desert for over 3,000 years, a remarkable ancient mining settlement at Jabal al-Sukari has been brought to light.
Following two years of excavation under the “Revival of the Ancient City of Gold” project, this discovery by the Supreme Council of Antiquities and Sukari Gold Mine management reveals a sophisticated gold-processing hub and a vibrant miners’ community southwest of Marsa Alam.
The site features an industrial complex with stone crushers, grinding stations, sedimentation basins, and clay furnaces, showcasing the advanced techniques ancient Egyptians used to extract gold from quartz. Beyond the factory, archaeologists uncovered a settlement complete with homes, workshops, administrative buildings, bathhouses, and places of worship, spanning Pharaonic to Islamic eras. “This is a window into the lives and skills of ancient miners,” said Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, SCA Secretary-General.
Among the finds are 628 inscribed ostraca, Ptolemaic coins, terracotta figurines, and small statues of deities like Bastet, alongside pottery and jewelry materials. To preserve this heritage amid modern mining, the ruins were relocated three kilometers north, and a full-scale replica now spans 2.5 hectares. A new visitor center offers an immersive experience with displays and panels narrating the site’s story.
Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, hailed the project as a blend of preservation and progress. This rediscovered “City of Gold” not only enriches Egypt’s historical narrative but also underscores its enduring legacy as a land of innovation and treasure.
Comments