Ancient astronomical observatory discovered in Egypt

[Still Waters]

An Egyptian mission led by the Supreme Council of Antiquities has uncovered what is believed to be the first and largest astronomical observatory from the 6th century BCE at the ancient Buto Temple, located at the Tell El-Fara’in archaeological site in Egypt’s Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate.

The observatory, constructed from mudbrick, was a significant center for tracking and recording astronomical phenomena. It was used to observe the movements of the sun, moon, and stars, and played a crucial role in establishing the dates of religious festivals and official ceremonies, such as royal coronations and the beginning of the agricultural year.

https://archaeologymag.com/2024/08/astronomical-observatory-discovered-in-kafr-el-sheikh/

[Antigonos]

While the city of Buto itself dates to the dawn of dynastic Egypt, it appears the artifacts at this particular dig site date from the 26th dynasty, relatively late in their history.

Nonetheless it’s a very interesting excavation.