3,000-year-old fort full of weapons found in Egypt

Digging into the tan-brown dirt of northern Egypt, a ruined structure began to reemerge. Food scraps, weapons and personal items dotted the ancient complex — and revealed its purpose.

Archaeologists were excavating part of an archaeological site in Housh Eissa when they unearthed the mudbrick structure, Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said in a Sept.

The relatively generic-shaped complex had two identical sections connected by “a narrow passage,” archaeologists said. Throughout both parts, excavations uncovered item after item. Based on these artifacts, archaeologists identified the ruins as a 3,000-year-old military fort.

A photo shows what remains of the complex. Close-up photos show the 3,000-year-old military ruins. Photo from Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities One section of the fort functioned as a storehouse for “weapons, food, and provisions,” archaeologists said. Here, excavations unearthed large granaries and jars still filled with bones from fish and other animals. The other section of the fort was used as barracks for soldiers. Here, archaeologists found some personal belongings, such as “protective amulets” and jewelry, as well as hygiene tools, such as kohl makeup applicators. Photos show a few of these artifacts. One photo shows a necklace made of small red-brown beads. A necklace found at the ancient fort. Photo from Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities