During the recent excavation season, which lasts from December until early May, the Egyptian archaeological mission at Gabal El-Nour in Beni Suef uncovered the remains of a Ptolemaic limestone temple.

Minister of Antiquities Mohamed Ibrahim told Ahram Online on Monday that it was a very important discovery as it was the first temple from the reign of Ptolemy II to be discovered in Beni Suef.  

"Discovering such a temple will shed more light on the history of the era and King Ptolemy II, who reigned the country for 36 years," Ibrahim asserted.

Excavations have reached the temple's second level, which consists of several rooms and halls partly filled with sand. A collection of clay pots and limestone blocks bearing the cartouche of Ptolemy II were also found among the debris.

Mansour Boreik, head of the central administration of antiquities of the Middle Egypt, said early studies reveal the temple was dedicated to the goddess Isis.

The external walls of the temple's eastern side are decorated with scenes depicting Ptolemy II in various position before the Nile god Hapy, he added.