Archaeological findings can unveil remarkable insights into ancient civilizations, and a recent discovery at Tell Nasser in Egypt is no exception. This significant revelation includes the first fully intact bathing complex at the site, showcasing the advanced engineering and lifestyle of its past inhabitants.
Discovery of the Bathing Complex
Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has announced that archaeologists uncovered a complete bathing facility during the initial excavation season at Tell Nasser, situated approximately 40 kilometers south of Port Said and north of the Suez Canal. These findings reveal layers of human settlement dating back to the late fourth and early third centuries BCE, as highlighted by Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities.
Preliminary studies show the presence of ancient Cypriot pottery and Greek amphorae, indicating that the site was occupied before the construction of the bathing complex. Above this layer, additional finds suggest a Ptolemaic settlement from the second to first centuries BCE, with notable Rhodian amphora stamps and various pottery specimens, both local and imported.
Significance of the Findings
The discovery is groundbreaking for two primary reasons: it represents the first complete bathing complex unearthed at Tell Nasser and confirms that the site was settled prior to the Ptolemaic period, remaining in use through the Roman era. These findings offer crucial insights into the ancient hydraulic engineering practices in the eastern Delta region. Similarities have been drawn between this complex and Hellenistic baths found in other parts of Egypt, including the recently identified bath at Tell el-Herr in northern Sinai.
What sets the Tell Nasser complex apart is its combination of both public and private bathing areas, alongside a complete water supply and drainage system. The private bathing unit features a circular basin approximately 2.5 meters in diameter, constructed from red bricks and lined with moisture-resistant pink mortar. Adjacent to this facility is a low structure believed to have been utilized for heating water, according to Mohamed Abdel Badi, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector.
Continued Usage Through the Ages
According to Badi, the construction of the complex is likely dated to the late first century BCE and shows signs of continued usage throughout the Roman period. Various architectural modifications suggest that the complex evolved over time, with some portions later repurposed for storage during the late Roman period as evidenced by Gaza amphorae uncovered at the site.
The public baths consist of two circular rooms, each approximately five meters in diameter. The first of these rooms contains five footbaths, three of which are remarkably well-preserved. Each footbath incorporates backrests, side armrests, and specially designed recesses for feet, along with several water collection basins. The flooring is enhanced with slip-resistant hydraulic mortar, having a drainage system integrated with the site’s main drainage network.
Khaled Farid, director of the Port Said Antiquities Zone, confirmed that a comprehensive hydraulic system was discovered, featuring a six-meter-long water supply channel built from red bricks—partially covered by a vaulted structure—and a complete drainage setup. An older water channel was found beneath this one, alongside remnants of ancient residential walls, indicating that the Tell Nasser site underwent extensive development over the years.
In summary, this uncovering at Tell Nasser enriches our understanding of the historical landscape of the eastern Delta during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods, shedding light on architectural advancements and social practices of its ancient inhabitants.