The team uncovered a limestone structure believed to be part of the temple of King Apries, dating back to the 26th Dynasty.
The mission, involving the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), Peking University, and the Shandong Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, has been conducting excavations in the area, where previous seasons had already revealed parts of the same temple complex.
Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy described the discovery as a valuable addition to archaeological research in Mit Rahina, emphasizing its role in enhancing understanding of one of Egypt’s most historically rich sites.
He also praised the growing scientific collaboration between Egyptian and Chinese archaeologists.
According to SCA Secretary-General Hisham El-Leithy, the find offers important insights into the urban layout and religious life of ancient Memphis from the Late Period through the Greco-Roman era.
Preliminary studies suggest that the southern part of Tel Aziz was part of the city’s central core, with the temple remaining in use for centuries, from the 26th Dynasty through the Roman period.
Further discoveries at the site include five headless sphinx statues and a collection of inscribed stone blocks bearing hieroglyphic texts dedicated to the god Ptah, as well as cartouches of King Apries.
The team also uncovered smaller artefacts, including pottery, glass vessels, and copper coins, according to Mohamed Abdel Badie, head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector and co-leader of the mission.
Zhang Hai, head of the Chinese team, said excavations will resume in April to uncover additional architectural elements that could help reconstruct the site’s history.
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