A beautifully painted zodiac ceiling has been revealed at the Temple of Esna following cleaning and restoration work by a German-Egyptian team. The colourful scenes, carved on the ceiling of the Roman Period columned hall, have not previously been published, as they were not clearly visible under layers of dirt, soot, and salt deposits. Twelve astrological signs, including Sagittarius and Scorpio, are depicted together with the planets Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars, and images of Egyptian deities including a ram-headed snake, crocodile-headed bird, and four-winged snake.
Above: A two-faced Sagittarius
Below: The sign Scorpio (bottom) from the newly revealed zodiac that emerged following restoration and cleaning at Esna Temple.
All images: copyright of the Ministry for Tourism and Antiquities
