Egyptian archaeologists have uncovered a 3,000-year-old gold mining settlement at Jabal Sukari, revealing an intricate extraction facility and a settlement with various structures. The site was relocated to protect it from modern mining, and findings enhance our understanding of ancient gold production and worker life.
Egyptian archaeologists have unveiled a significant archaeological discovery with the completion of a two-year excavation at Jabal Sukari, located near the Red Sea. They revealed a large, well-preserved gold mining settlement believed to be approximately 3,000 years old. This site, which is currently threatened by modern mining activities, was thoroughly studied by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, leading to the relocation of key structures for their protection.
The excavation unearthed an advanced gold extraction facility, featuring various components such as grinding and crushing stations, filtration basins, and clay smelting furnaces. Nearby, researchers discovered remnants of a settlement that included workshops, administrative buildings, temples, and baths, highlighting the site’s multifaceted industrial nature.
Inscriptions found in hieroglyphs, Demotic, and Greek indicate that a diverse community of workers once inhabited the area, contributing to the gold mining operations. To preserve the historical significance of the site, fragile structures were moved two miles away from active mining zones, and a full-scale replica was constructed to attract tourists.
This discovery sheds light on ancient gold production techniques and the lifestyles of workers in Egypt’s mining industry thousands of years ago. The well-preserved site and the relocation efforts are crucial for protecting its heritage from modern threats while also serving educational and tourism purposes.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
