Archaeologists across the globe continuously unearth ancient artifacts and ruins, but a recent discovery in Egypt has astonished historians. A team of archaeologists has uncovered a remarkable 3,000-year-old gold city, a site once used for extensive gold mining.
Discovery of the Ancient Gold City
After years of excavation, researchers finally revealed the existence of this lost gold city in 2021. The site, known as Jabal Sukari, is located southwest of Marsa Alam, near the Red Sea. It was a thriving industrial hub around 1000 BC, playing a crucial role in Egypt’s gold mining history.
Evidence of Advanced Gold Processing
Dr. Mohammad Ismail Khalid, General Secretary of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, emphasized the significance of this discovery, calling it one of the most important archaeological finds to date. Excavations have revealed that the site was not just a mining area but a fully functional gold-processing center. Researchers discovered remnants of ancient grinding stones, filtration basins, and furnaces used for melting gold. These findings indicate that the ancient Egyptians had developed sophisticated techniques for extracting and refining gold thousands of years ago.
Coins from the Ptolemaic Era
Among the artifacts unearthed, archaeologists found coins from the Ptolemaic era. This suggests that gold production at this site continued for an extended period, supporting Egypt’s economy and trade networks. The discovery of these coins provides further evidence that the site remained operational long after its initial establishment.
Insights into Egypt’s Ancient Engineering
Following the revelation of this historic gold city, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathi, highlighted its significance in understanding ancient Egyptian engineering. He stated that the site demonstrates the advanced mining and metallurgical techniques used by the civilization to extract gold from desert regions.
Dr. Mohammad Khalid also noted that the presence of grinding and melting equipment at the site confirms that the Egyptians had already developed methods to separate gold from quartz rock in ancient times. The discovery of a large furnace for melting gold suggests that this location was more than just a mining site—it was an active and well-organized gold production center.
A Historic Breakthrough
This extraordinary find sheds new light on Egypt’s rich history of gold mining and trade. The lost gold city of Jabal Sukari serves as a testament to the ancient civilization’s engineering skills and economic power. As further excavations continue, archaeologists hope to uncover more secrets hidden within this fascinating site.
