A joint mission of Egyptian and international researchers has announced the discovery of a well-preserved Late Period temple dedicated to the lioness-goddess Mehit in the sacred city of Abydos. The sanctuary features a large central hall supported by four columns and a sanctuary room containing two near-pristine alabaster statues of the goddess in her semi-feline form, standing over two meters tall.
The temple walls are decorated with vibrant reliefs depicting ritual processions and the mythical marriage of Mehit and Onuris. Lead archaeologist Dr. Selim Hassan noted that the discovery is unique because the temple appears to have been intentionally sealed and protected from looters during the Roman era, preserving a vast array of bronze ritual tools and faience amulets within its chambers.