Ancient Roman Industrial Zone Discovered In Sinai

words by Carol King The Egyptian Ministry of State for Antiquities (MSA) has uncovered a Graeco-Roman industrial area in Sinai, east of the Suez Canal. ‘Ahram Online’ reports that the industrial zone was discovered during excavations at the archaeological site of Tell Abu-Seifi, which was an important military area. Tell Abu-Seifi is home to three Ptolemaic castles and a fortress built by the Roman Emperor Maximinus Thrax, who ruled from 235 to 238. Administration buildings, warehouses and residential areas have been unearthed, as well as workshops for bronze and clay statues. Items found include pots, pans and amphorae imported from southern Italy. Among the most important objects discovered is a Roman engraving that provides detailed information on the military importance of Tell Abu-Seifi and the army divisions in the area. MSA Minister Mohamed Ibrahim told ‘Ahram Online’: “It is a very important discovery that highlights Egypt’s economical and commercial relations with its neighbouring countries on the Mediterranean Sea.” The Roman province of Egypt was established in 30BC after Octavian defeated his rival Mark Antony and deposed Queen Cleopatra VII, annexing the Ptolemaic kingdom of Egypt to the Roman Empire. Egypt became a major producer of grain for the empire. The Sinai Desert was important because of its copper and gem stone mines.