Sphinx with the face of a Roman emperor found in Egypt

Egyptian archaeologists from Ain Shams University during excavations at the historical complex in

Dandara discovered the ruins of a Roman building.A limestone structure built to the east of theOn the ground floor of the building, there is a swimming pool with an unusual statue in the form of a sphinx and a Roman painting.

The ruins explored were built withusing limestone and are a two-story building with a foundation and sloping floors. On the ground floor, archaeologists excavated a red brick water collection pool, into which a staircase leads.

Excavations of a Roman building at Dandara. Photos: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

During pool cleaningarchaeologists have discovered an unusual statue in the form of a sphinx. It is made of limestone and depicts one of the Roman emperors wearing a nemes (royal headdress in ancient Egypt). Preliminary analysis of the statue shows that the face of the statue belongs to the emperor Claudius, who ruled the Roman Empire from 41 to 54 AD.

Researchers note the extraordinary beauty of the statue.The ancient sculptor recreated the image of the Roman emperor with all the details, while light dimples are visible in the corners of the lips, and a half-smile wanders on his face. Next to the statue was also found a painting belonging to the same era and decorated with hieroglyphic inscriptions and demotic writing.


Artifacts found in the ruins of a Roman building. Photos: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

Dandara is one of the oldest settlements in the MiddleEgypt. For many years this region was the center of worship for the goddess of the sky, joy and love Hathor. Temple buildings dedicated to this goddess form the center of the settlement. In addition to the central temple, there are many other buildings on the territory of the archaeological complex. Archaeologists continue to study the history of the settlement in different eras.

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On the cover: Excavations of a Roman building at Dandara. Photos: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities