‘Important’ sun and star observatory dating to 6th century BC discovered: scientists

This discovery is none other than Tutan-khamun.

Archaeologists in Egypt have discovered the “first and largest astronomical observatory”, nearly half a mile long, dating back to the 6th century BC.

A sundial and other items were found inside a building that was designed with sloping architecture to measure shadow and solar movement, according to Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

Carvings depicting the sunrise and sunset for three seasons of the year and treasures of past times and dynasties were also discovered.

Archeology site ancient-origins.net called the findings “significant”.

The astronomy tower, made “of five levels of limestone”, was part of the Buto Temple, a larger complex discovered at Kafr Sheikh – an area about 2½ hours north of the Great Pyramids of Giza.

It had separate side entrances to its east and west to better follow the sun’s daily trajectory, along with “a hall with open letter-shaped central columns,” according to Egyptian archeology official Dr. Ayman Ashmawi.

The site also contained a “slanted shadow clock” sundial, which is “regarded as one of the most prominent time-keeping instruments in ancient times,” according to the ministry.

Another circular hall had a stone block on the floor along with two more blocks to measure sun angles and five satellite rooms made of “milk bricks” that could be used to store tools.

There are four additional rooms made of the material plus a small stone room – the latter is likely the observatory itself.

The front of the site features “a large, tall milk brick wall that leans inward,” which evokes similar calligraphy styles seen in other ancient temples in the kingdom.

“A relatively large hall with three walls covered with yellow slates” was also discovered.

It contained the remains of a blue painting along with a drawing of the falcon pharaoh god Horus, Osiris the god of the dead, a terracotta snake, and more related artwork and jewelry, including a necklace.

A gray granite statute dating from the Saite dynasty, which ruled from 664 to 332 BC, was also found at the observatory, added archaeologist Dr. Hossam Ghanim.