A joint Egyptian-European mission has announced the discovery of a significant Temple of the Falcon (Horus) extension in the remote Kharga Oasis. Dating back to the 26th Dynasty, the site features a remarkably well-preserved sanctuary containing a cache of emerald-encrusted bronze votive figures. These artifacts represent some of the highest quality craftsmanship found in the Western Desert, indicating the site was a major pilgrimage destination for the elite.
Beyond the ritual items, the excavation revealed a series of rare astrological wall paintings that depict the movements of the planet Venus relative to the Falcon-headed god. This discovery suggests that the temple served as an important center for early Egyptian celestial observation. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has initiated a project to digitally document the murals before structural reinforcement begins on the temple’s limestone foundations.