An Egyptian archaeological mission has uncovered a massive New Kingdom–era fortress at Tell el-Kharouba in Sheikh Zuweid, North Sinai — one of the largest and most significant discoveries along the ancient Horus Military Road. According to a statement from the ministry of tourism, the mission uncovered part of the fortress's southern wall, measuring about 105 metres long and 2.5 metres wide, with a secondary entrance 2.2 metres wide. So far, 11 defensive towers have been found, in addition to the northwestern tower and sections of the northern and western walls. Excavation teams faced difficulties due to sand dunes covering large parts of the site. The statement said archaeologists also discovered a 75-metre zigzag wall dividing the fortress from north to south, enclosing what is believed to be a residential area for soldiers. The feature, characteristic of the New Kingdom's military architecture, reflects ancient Egypt's ability to adapt to Sinai's harsh desert conditions. Among the artefacts found were pottery fragments, foundation deposits from the early 18th Dynasty, and a jar handle bearing the name of King Thutmose I. Other finds included volcanic stones imported from the Greek islands, a large bread oven, and traces of fossilised dough, suggesting the fortress operated as a self-sufficient military centre. Preliminary studies indicate the fortress went through multiple restoration phases, particularly to its southern entrance. Excavations will continue to uncover the remaining walls and search for the ancient military port believed to have served the fortress near the Mediterranean coast. Covering roughly 8,000 square metres—three times larger than a similar fortress discovered at the site in the 1980s—the newly uncovered structure adds to a chain of New Kingdom fortifications along the Horus Military Road, including Tell Heboua, Tell el-Borg, and Tell el-Abyad. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: Y.Yasser
