Important archaeological discovery in Egypt. Lost city discovered

The discoveries were announced by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the University of Manchester, whose staff led the research.

Archaeologists discovered the ancient Egyptian city of Imet in the eastern Nile Delta

The excavations were part of a joint Egyptian-British mission by archaeologists from the University of Manchester, working with a team from Sadat City University in Cairo, at Tell el-Fara'in (also known as Tell Nabasha). The first archaeological work in the area dates back to the 19th century, but archaeologists focused on the nearby temple and cemetery, rather than the settlement.

During the recent excavations, scientists used remote sensing combined with traditional archaeological fieldwork. Using high-resolution satellite images, they were able to identify, before excavation began, clusters of ancient mud bricks. Among the finds were solid skyscrapers, or rather multi-story buildings supported by exceptionally thick foundation walls. They were designed to accommodate the growing population in what was then an increasingly urbanized region of the Nile Delta.

- Their presence here shows that Imet was a thriving and densely built-up city with a complex urban infrastructure - said the head of the research, Dr. Nicky Nielsen from the University of Manchester, quoted in the university's press release.

Ancient Egyptian City of Imet: Archaeologists Discover Valuable Artifacts

However, archaeologists during excavations discovered not only multi-story houses, but also a paved area for processing grain and animal pens, which is evidence of an active local economy of the ancient city of Imet.

At another site, the researchers found a large building with a lime plastered floor and massive pillars dating to the mid-Ptolemaic period. The building itself was built across a processional road that once connected to the temple of Wadjet, the city’s patron deity.

Archaeologists also found a number of artifacts that reflect the living spiritual culture of the city of Imet. The most important of these finds are:

Scientists also discovered, as reported by the BBC in an interview with Nicky Nielsen, a cooking pot still standing on an ancient hearth containing the remains of a tilapia stew from the 4th century BC.

Discovery of ancient city of Imet “opens new doors”

Discoveries by British and Egyptian archaeologists have changed existing ideas about urban, religious and economic life in the 4th century BC city of Imet in the Nile Delta.

- This discovery opens new doors to our understanding of everyday life, spirituality and urban planning in the Delta. Imet becomes a key site for rethinking the archaeology of Late Egyptian history, Nielsen emphasized.