A joint Egyptian-European mission has uncovered the remains of a 26th Dynasty temple dedicated to the goddess Sekhmet in the western Nile Delta. The sanctuary, known as the 'Temple of the Sacred Lioness,' contains a series of monumental limestone blocks engraved with the epithets of the warrior goddess. Excavators found a unique 'healing pool' within the temple precinct, lined with granite and inscribed with magical spells intended to pacify the goddess and ward off pestilence.
Among the artifacts recovered is a life-sized statue of Sekhmet seated on a throne, wearing the sun disk and uraeus. The statue's preservation is remarkable, with traces of red pigment still visible on the goddess's gown. This temple is believed to have been a major center for iatromancy (medical divination) during the Late Period, where pilgrims traveled to seek cures for various ailments. The find adds significant data to our understanding of the cult of Sekhmet outside the traditional centers of Memphis and Thebes.