What ancient structure, believed to be part of the temple of Pharaoh Apries, was unearthed at Tel Aziz, ancient Memphis, in February 2026?

In February 2026, a significant archaeological breakthrough occurred at Tel Aziz, a site within ancient Memphis, Egypt, where a joint Egyptian-Chinese mission unearthed a substantial limestone structure. This discovery is believed to be part of the long-lost temple of Pharaoh Apries, a ruler from Egypt's 26th Dynasty. The excavation sheds new light on the urban planning, religious life, and continuous occupation of one of ancient Egypt's most vital capitals.

The identification of this structure as part of Apries' temple is strongly supported by several key findings. Archaeologists uncovered limestone blocks and slabs inscribed with hieroglyphic texts dedicated to Ptah, the principal deity of Memphis, along with cartouches bearing the name of Apries. Additionally, five headless sphinx statues were found at the site, further emphasizing the monument's royal and religious importance. These artifacts collectively provide compelling evidence linking the unearthed limestone building to the reign of Pharaoh Apries and his temple complex, which appears to have been in use for centuries, extending into the Greco-Roman period.

Pharaoh Apries, also known as Hophra in biblical texts, ruled from approximately 589 to 570 BCE during the Saite Period, a time when Egypt experienced a resurgence of its ancient traditions. Memphis, as one of Egypt's oldest and most influential capitals, served as a crucial administrative and religious center for millennia. The ongoing excavations at Tel Aziz, particularly in the previously less-explored southern sector, are vital for understanding the city's core structure and sacred spaces. This recent discovery not only expands our knowledge of Apries' reign and the 26th Dynasty but also offers a deeper insight into the architectural ambition and enduring religious practices that characterized ancient Egypt.