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A joint German–Egyptian team excavating the western side of the Great Temple of Athribis (Sohag) has uncovered the remains of a temple pylon. Measuring 51 metres in length, the pylon would have been about 18 metres tall – similar in size to the pylon at Luxor Temple. Carvings on the outer and inner walls of the pylon depict a Ptolemaic pharaoh with Repyt, the lioness goddess who was the consort of Min, with their son Kolanthes. The founder of the temple is thought to be Ptolemy VIII, whose cartouches were found on the pylon, together with those of his consort Cleopatra III.
The team also discovered a chamber to the south of the pylon, with depictions on the entrance of Repyt and Min, surrounded by smaller celestial deities representing the stars, and the remains of a staircase that would have led to an upper floor.
Text: Sarah Griffiths / All images: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, unless otherwise stated
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