In a landmark collaboration, Egyptian and Chinese archaeologists announced this week the discovery of a previously undocumented 2,500-year-old 'sacred lake' at Karnak Temple Complex's Montu Temple precinct. The man-made reservoir, measuring over 50 square meters, represents one of the best-preserved ritual water features ever found in ancient Egyptian religious architecture.
Located west of the Maat Temple enclosure, the newly uncovered structure forms a unique north-south alignment with another known sacred lake within the Karnak complex. Dr. Jia Xiaobing, the Chinese project lead, emphasized its research value: "This is the first sacred lake in Egyptian archaeology to undergo full scientific excavation, creating new pathways for understanding ritual practices."
The joint team employed advanced technological methods to excavate the site over eight years, overcoming challenges from accumulated sand deposits and groundwater levels that still hinder full exploration of the lake's foundations. Egyptian co-lead Hend Aly noted: "What began as a mountain of sand now stands revealed as a time capsule from the Late Period (747-332 BC), complete with ritual artifacts."
Among significant finds were dozens of cow jawbones and repurposed stone blocks bearing royal inscriptions, suggesting the site maintained religious importance through multiple dynasties. While the exact construction date remains undetermined, researchers confirm the lake served exclusively for temple rituals rather than practical use.
This discovery marks a milestone in cross-cultural archaeology, combining Egypt's rich historical legacy with China's growing expertise in heritage preservation technologies. Academics anticipate the findings will reshape understanding of water's symbolic role in ancient Egyptian worship practices.
