Archaeologists from the University of Manchester and Sadat City University in Egypt have discovered the lost ancient Egyptian city of Imet, dating back to the 4th century BC. It was buried under layers of earth in the Tell el-Farain area, also known as Tell Nebesha, in the eastern Nile Delta.
During the excavation, advanced remote sensing techniques, high-resolution satellite imagery, and ground-penetrating radar were used, which allowed for the identification of a well-preserved urban landscape. Scientists discovered the remains of multi-story tower houses built on strong foundations – a rare type of dwelling characteristic of the Nile Delta during the late and Roman periods. Their presence indicates a high level of building density and a developed city infrastructure.
Besides residential areas, archaeologists uncovered paved areas for grain processing, livestock enclosures, and traces of a ceremonial road that once led to the temple of the goddess Wadjet – the patron deity of Lower Egypt and the spiritual protector of Imet. The temple and its surroundings served as an important religious center, but according to researchers, it was abandoned during the Ptolemaic period, reflecting a shift in ritual practices of the time.
Among the unique finds is a kitchen vessel with the remains of a tilapia fish stew, discovered directly on an ancient hearth – a rare instance of such a well-preserved fragment of daily life. Also found were a green faience ushabti figurine, which served as an afterlife servant, a bronze sistrum with the heads of the goddess Hathor, and a stela depicting the god Harpocrates standing on crocodiles, with the protective figure of the god Bes above him. These artifacts illustrate the rich spiritual culture of the city.
According to Dr. Nicky Nielsen from the University of Manchester, Imet is becoming a key site for rethinking late period Egyptian archaeology: "This discovery allows us to peer into the complex daily life, religious practices, and architectural innovations of the time. We are gradually returning the forgotten cities of the Delta to the map of history." Research is ongoing, and Imet, according to archaeologists, may still hold many discoveries.