Archaeologists have recently discovered ancient military fortifications in Tell Abu Sefeh, North Sinai, dating back to the Ptolemaic and Roman eras. The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities made the announcement on May 3, 2025.
The excavation revealed an expansive military complex at Tell Abu Sefeh, strategically located near Ismailia and the Suez Canal, which historically protected Egypt's eastern borders. The uncovered remains include military fortifications, soldiers' residences, and a defensive trench, suggesting the possibility of another nearby fortress.
Artifacts such as basins and pots were found, along with evidence of a limestone-paved road lined with trees during the Ptolemaic era. The soldiers' residences provide insights into the daily life of Roman cavalry. Four large kilns indicate the site's later transformation into an industrial center. A limestone-paved road, over 330 feet long, connects the Roman fortress to the site's heart.
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, stated that the discovery sheds light on Egypt's eastern military fortifications and highlights Tell Abu Sefeh's significance as a military and industrial center. The excavation also revealed a defensive trench at the Ptolemaic fortress entrance, enhancing our understanding of ancient defensive strategies.