Ancient fortress discovered in Sinai reveals New
Kingdom military might
by Salwa Samir
October 11, 2025
in Arts, Entertainment
Egyptian Gazette
In the sands of North Sinai, a stunning new chapter in ancient
history has been unearthed. Egyptian archaeologists working near the
Mediterranean coast at the Tell El-Kharoba site, close to Sheikh
Zuweid, have discovered a vast military fortress dating back more
than three millennia to the New Kingdom period of Egyptian
civilisation.
Described by officials as one of the largest and most important
fortresses ever found along the legendary Horus Military Road, the
site further illuminates the extraordinary organisational genius and
strategic planning of Egypt’s kings.
Winding its way between ancient Egypt and Palestine, this road was
a vital military and commercial artery for centuries.
“This discovery is a living testament to the brilliance of ancient
Egyptian military architecture,” said Minister of Tourism and
Antiquities, Sherif Fathy. “It offers a new window into our military
history and highlights Sinai’s pivotal role at the crossroads of
civilisations.”
Located near the Mediterranean shoreline, the newly found fortress
is estimated to cover 8,000 square meters, three times the size of a
previously discovered fortress just 700 meters to the southwest.
With imposing walls, defensive towers, and zigzagging ramparts, the
structure bears witness to a complex system designed both for
fortification and adaptation to Sinai’s harsh, ever-shifting sands.
Archaeologists have already uncovered part of the southern wall,
stretching some 105 meters with defensive towers and an unusual
zigzag wall dividing a residential area for soldiers.
According to Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary General of Supreme
Council of Antiquities, each fortress uncovered along the Horus Road
adds a crucial piece to the story of how ancient Egypt protected its
eastern borders, reminding us that its civilisation was built on
strong institutions as much as on majestic temples or lavish tombs.
The discovery is remarkable not only for its military features but
also for the glimpses it provides into daily life three thousand
years ago.
Ceramic pots and storage jars, including foundation deposits beneath
the towers dating to the 18th Dynasty, alongside a bread oven with
petrified dough and volcanic stones likely imported from the Greek
islands, all paint a vibrant portrait of daily sustenance and
international exchange at Egypt’s ancient outposts.
A particularly touching find was the handle of a vessel stamped with
the cartouche of Pharaoh Thutmose I, an intimate imprint of a
long-lost world.
Preliminary studies indicate that the fortress was used, restored,
and modified across generations. The entrance, notably, was
redesigned several times, suggesting shifting priorities or new
threats across the centuries.
Excavators hope that further exploration will reveal a long-lost
military harbor on the nearby coast.
The newly uncovered castle joins a remarkable chain of forts
stretching across Sinai, including the famed sites of Tell Hebua,
Tell Borg, and Tell el-Abyad, all dating to Egypt’s powerful New
Kingdom.
Together, these discoveries underscore ancient Egypt’s
determination to defend its land and control vital trade routes
linking Africa and the Levant.
