Ancient Religious Complex Unearthed Beneath Egypt's Buto

Researchers in Egypt have identified a large, oval-shaped anomaly beneath the ancient city of Buto, potentially indicating a buried religious complex dating back over 2,600 years. The discovery was made using satellite radar imagery and electrical resistivity tomography.

The city of Buto, known today as Tell al-Fara’in, was a major religious and political center in ancient Lower Egypt. It was associated with the worship of Wadjet, the cobra goddess, and remained an important site for centuries despite periods of abandonment.

Due to layers of clay and silt, as well as the presence of groundwater, traditional excavation methods were challenging. Researchers used satellite imagery from the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-1 satellite to detect anomalies beneath the surface.

The anomaly, measuring approximately 420 feet by 203 feet, led to further investigation using electrical resistivity tomography. This method involved placing electrodes in the ground and measuring electrical resistance to create a detailed map of the subsurface.

The scans revealed a mudbrick wall buried 10 to 20 feet below the surface, along with a deeper sand layer that may have formed an artificial foundation. Excavation confirmed the presence of religious artifacts, including amulets of deities and an offering basin.

The complex is estimated to date to the late eighth century BCE or the Saite period (26th Dynasty). This suggests that Buto experienced renewed activity during this time, with the structure possibly serving as a temple, religious service center, or priestly residence.