Archaeologists excavating a temple in Egypt found the ruins of several other structures, including a Roman-era bathroom.
Archaeologists excavating the ruins of a temple in Esna found a cabin, weapons storehouse with pottery grenades, and bathroom with bathtubs. Photo from Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Archaeologists excavating a temple in Egypt found the ruins of several other structures, including a Roman-era bathroom.
Working near the Temple of Khnum in Esna, archaeologists uncovered a 1,400-year-old bathroom complete with bathtubs and a possible bathing seat, Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said in a Saturday, Dec. 24 news release.
The multi-level bathroom dates to Roman times, archaeologists said. The upper level has a red brick floor with a round structure that may have been used as a bathing seat, photos show. The lower floor has corridors for hot air and water to reach the bathtubs.
The room also has a staircase with floral and geometric designs on the wall, the release said.
A view of the ruins at the temple. Photo from Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Archaeologists also found the ruins of a circular sandstone cabin constructed around 330 B.C., according to the release. All that remains of the structure are the foundations and small columns that likely formed a gate or entrance.
Pottery grenades, pottery fragments and a variety of pipes were found at the cabin, experts said.
Excavations also uncovered a third structure used as a storehouse for weapons and guards, archaeologists said. The storehouse was made of red bricks and reused stones taken from other ruins. The structure also had partitions made of palm tree wood.
The ruins offered researchers a glimpse into different historical eras, the release said.
The Temple of Khnum is dedicated to the ancient Egyptian god who created humans on his pottery wheel, Lonely Planet reported. Construction of the temple began around 100 B.C., and the site was abandoned during the Roman period, a period beginning in 30 B.C. and ending in the 600s A.D.
