Archaeologists in Egypt have uncovered a rare marble head of Aphrodite (Venus) at Ihnasya Al-Madina, an ancient city once known as Heracleopolis Magna (Greek: Μεγάλη Ἡρακλέους πόλις).
The discovery was made during excavations by an Egyptian mission affiliated with the Supreme Council of Antiquities in Beni Suef Governorate. The mission is led by Mohamed Ibrahim, director general of Beni Suef Antiquities.
Officials said the find adds new evidence of the city’s rich cultural and religious history. Ihnasya was an important center in ancient Egypt and later flourished during the Greek and Roman periods.
The marble head represents Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. Mohamed Abdel Badie, head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the piece is rare and artistically significant.
Aphrodite’s head shows classical detail
The head measures about 24 by 25 centimeters (9.4 by 9.8 inches). Officials said it stands out for its fine craftsmanship, especially in the facial features and curly hair.
Abdel Badie said the artistic style reflects classical traditions used in statues of deities and prominent figures during that period.
The discovery points to the influence of Greek and Roman culture in Ihnasya after the pharaonic period. It also shows how different religious and artistic traditions existed side by side in the city over many centuries.
Royal cartouche also uncovered
The mission also found a reused stone block bearing a raised inscription of King Senusret III. The inscription includes both his throne name and birth name.
Archaeologists also found another cartouche carrying the name of “Osir-na-ref,” a deity worshipped in Ihnasya during ancient Egyptian times and the Ptolemaic period.
Hisham El-Leithy, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the Senusret III cartouche is significant because the king was linked to several major structures in Ihnasya. He said the find confirms the city’s sacred status and the attention it received from Middle Kingdom rulers.
Basilica remains reveal later changes
The team also uncovered remains of an ancient Doric temple and extensions of a Roman basilica. The Doric remains further strengthen the Greek architectural link at the site.
Abdel Badie said early studies show that builders reused parts of the Doric temple in the sixth century A.D. They used its stones and blocks as foundations and flooring for the basilica. Some of the basilica’s columns weigh about 45 tons. Three still stand in their original positions.
The mission also found parts of wall statues and clay molds used for minting coins. Sami Dardiri, head of the Central Administration for Middle Egypt Antiquities, said the finds reflect Ihnasya’s cultural and economic strength during the Roman period.
The ancient city remained important for centuries
Sherif Fathy, Egypt’s minister of tourism and antiquities, said the discoveries add scientific and archaeological value to Ihnasya Al-Madina. He said they also reflect Egypt’s cultural diversity across different eras.
Ihnasya served as Egypt’s capital during the Ninth and Tenth Dynasties. It was also the capital of the 20th nome of Upper Egypt. Officials said the work supports Egypt’s efforts to study, preserve, and promote its archaeological heritage.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
