Egyptian-Chinese mission unearths wine press at temple to ancient warrior goddess

A joint Egyptian-Chinese archaeological mission has unearthed a limestone wine press at the Temple of Sekhmet near Mit Rahina, Egypt. The press includes an upper basin and a lower collection basin, with grape seeds found inside. The mission also uncovered a mudbrick residential complex, stone blocks, and statue fragments from the New Kingdom period, along with pottery shards, faience amulets, and votive stelae. The discoveries indicate continuous settlement from the Third Intermediate Period through the Greco-Roman period.

A joint Egyptian-Chinese archaeological mission has unearthed a limestone wine press at the Temple of Sekhmet site near the village of Mit Rahina, the Egyptian Tourism and Antiquities Ministry announced. The press includes an upper basin sloping downward toward a central opening and a lower collection basin, each topped with an opening designed to hold amphorae. Archaeologists found grape seeds inside the press, supporting the interpretation. The mission also found the remains of a mudbrick residential complex in the surrounding area, along with stone blocks and statue fragments believed to have been part of Ptah's temple, most dating to the New Kingdom period, mainly the reign of Ramesses II. Other artifacts include pottery shards, faience amulets, small statuettes, ostraca, and votive stelae. Dr. Hisham El-Leithy of the Supreme Council of Antiquities explained the mission began by cleaning and documenting the temple. Mohamed Abdel-Badie noted the discoveries indicate continuous settlement from the Third Intermediate Period through the Greco-Roman period. The Temple of Sekhmet was discovered by chance in 1959.