The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has announced the discovery of a sprawling New Kingdom temple complex dedicated to the god Thoth in the Middle Nile region. The site, which dates back to the 18th Dynasty, includes a grand entrance pylon and a series of courtyards lined with statues of Ibis-headed deities. Hidden inscriptions on the temple walls detail the specific lunar rituals performed by the high priests to maintain the balance of the seasons.
Excavations have also revealed a dedicated 'House of Life' (Per Ankh) annex where scribes were trained in medicine and astronomy. The temple was built using high-quality limestone and features rare blue-pigment frescoes that have remained vibrant for over 3,000 years. This discovery is expected to rewrite the religious history of the region, as it was previously thought that major cult centers for Thoth were limited to Hermopolis and the Delta.