One of lost ‘sun temples’ likely discovered in Egypt

By Ibrahim al-Khazen

ISTANBUL (AA) - Archaeologists have discovered a mud-brick building believed to be one of the lost “sun temples” south of the Egyptian capital Cairo.

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said the building was found by an Italian-Polish archaeological mission in the Abusir region, south of Cairo.

“Preliminary studies indicate that the new discovery may be one of the four lost sun temples that date back to the Fifth Dynasty (2465 to 2323 BC),” the ministry added in a statement.

According to the statement, part of the building was removed by King Nyuserre to build his temple.

The ministry said excavations will continue at the site to get more information about the discovered building.

Sun temples were built in dedication to Ra, the sun god in ancient Egypt. Six sun temples are believed to have been built, but only two have been uncovered until now.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar