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Archaeologists have made an incredible discovery in Egypt—an ancient city that had been buried in the desert for 3,000 years. Known as the “Lost City of Gold,” this site, called Aten, was a major gold-mining hub located near Luxor’s Valley of the Kings. It was fully uncovered after four years of excavation, making it one of the most remarkable finds since the tomb of Tutankhamun.
A Hidden Gold Mining City Resurfaces
Aten, situated at Jabal Sukari in Egypt’s Red Sea Governorate, was once a bustling gold-mining city during the rule of Pharaoh Amenhotep III (1391-1353 BC). Archaeologists uncovered well-preserved homes, workshops, temples, bathhouses, and administrative buildings, painting a picture of an advanced and organized society.
One of the most exciting discoveries was a nearly intact gold extraction facility. The site includes crushing and grinding stations, filtration basins, and smelting furnaces used to refine gold from quartz. These findings give us a clearer understanding of how the ancient Egyptians mined and processed gold.
Discoveries That Bring the Past to Life
The excavation unearthed a wealth of artifacts that provide insight into the daily lives of the city’s inhabitants. Among the findings were:
- 628 inscribed pottery fragments (ostraca) featuring hieroglyphic, demotic, and Greek writings
- Bronze coins from the Ptolemaic era
- Clay sculptures of people and creatures from the Greco-Roman era.
- Small statues of deities Bastet and Harpocrates
- Ptolemaic offering tables
- Ancient pottery used for storing perfumes, medicine, and incense
- Decorative gemstone beads and seashell-crafted jewelry
These discoveries confirm that Aten was not just a mining site but also a thriving multicultural city that remained active for centuries, supplying gold for Egyptian royalty and temples.
Protecting and Showcasing the Lost City
To safeguard the site from modern mining operations at Sukari Mine, authorities carefully documented, restored, and relocated key architectural elements three kilometers north of the original site. To make the discovery more accessible, they also built a full-scale replica of the ancient mining camp over a six-acre area. The visitor center features large display screens showcasing the excavation process and the artifacts found.
Aten is now open to both researchers and the public, giving a rare chance to explore how ancient Egyptians mined resources and learn about the daily lives of the workers who contributed to Egypt’s prosperity. Informational displays help visitors grasp the importance of this long-lost city.
A Groundbreaking Discovery
The discovery of Aten marks a major breakthrough in archaeology, providing priceless insights into Egypt’s history. As experts continue their research, they hope to reveal even more about the civilization’s mining methods, culture, and economy.
With its well-preserved structures, advanced mining systems, and cultural artifacts, Aten showcases the brilliance of the ancient Egyptians. This lost city offers a direct glimpse into the past, and the world eagerly awaits more discoveries from this remarkable site.
