Ancient astronomical observatory discovered in N. Egypt

CAIRO, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) — An astronomical observatory dating back to the 6th century B.C. has been discovered in Kafr El-Sheikh in the Nile Delta region of northern Egypt, said the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities on Friday.
The astronomical observatory is believed to be one of the first and largest of its kind, the ministry said in a statement.
Unveiled in the Buto Temple at Tell El-Faraeen archaeological site, the mudbrick building was used to observe and register the astronomical phenomena and the movement of the sun and stars, the statement added.
The discovery highlighted the advanced astronomical knowledge of the ancient Egyptians in tracking solar and stellar movements, and their ability to determine the solar calendar and significant religious and agricultural dates, it noted.
Among the key findings is a slanted stone sundial, a prominent tool for measuring time in ancient times, said the ministry.
The observatory has an L-shaped central hall and a large mudbrick wall resembling the iconic entrances of ancient Egyptian temples.
Several rooms at the observatory were uncovered, including storage rooms for tools and artifacts such as items for daily and religious use. ■