3,200-Year-Old Clue Uncovered

A 3,200-year-old Egyptian inscription found near an ancient military road may indicate the location of a long-lost city from the time of Ramesses II. The inscription, which mentions Ramesses II, who reigned from about 1279 to 1213 B.C., says that Horus is the 'Lord of the City of Mesn'.

The inscription was found at the archaeological site of Tell Abu Seifi, which is located by the Suez Canal, near the north Sinai Desert and the eastern Nile Delta. At this site, a temple dedicated to Horus was also discovered, although it was almost completely destroyed.

The presence of both the inscription and the temple of Horus at Tell Abu Seifi suggests that it may be the lost city of Mesn. This theory is further supported by a bronze seal from the Ptolemaic period, which was previously found at Tell Abu Seifi with an inscription that says 'Horus, Lord of Mesen'.

## Why it matters The potential discovery of the lost city of Mesn is significant, as it could provide valuable insights into the history and culture of ancient Egypt during the time of Ramesses II. If Tell Abu Seifi is confirmed to be Mesn, it could be an important archaeological find, shedding light on the city's size, population, and significance in ancient Egyptian society.

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has announced the discovery, but more research is needed to confirm the identity of Tell Abu Seifi as Mesn. The ministry's statement calls Mesn a 'lost city', and its archaeological identification has remained uncertain until now.

## What happens next Further research and excavation at Tell Abu Seifi are necessary to determine the extent and population of the city, as well as to confirm its identity as Mesn. The discovery of the inscription and the temple of Horus is a promising start, and archaeologists are hopeful that continued exploration of the site will uncover more secrets about this potentially lost city.