Medinet Madi Fayoum Egypt tours, prices, booking, reviews
Medinet Madi Fayoum Egypt indeed is one of the most important archaeological sites in Fayoum. In fact, Medinet Madi Fayoum located 30 km south-west of El Fayoum city. Its modern name means “city of the past”. In fact, in Graeco-Roman times it known as ‘”Narmouthis”. Excavators discovered two separate towns at the site. Today, the main monument at the site is only a small temple. In fact, the temples dedicated to Sobek, Horus and the serpent-goddess Renenutet. Moreover, the temple founded during the reigns of Amenemhet III and IV. It was during Dynasty XII. The temple remains are in a well-preserved condition.
In fact, it was due to its isolated location but threatened by the encroaching sands of the desert. The inner chambers are the oldest part of the structure . In fact, the structure is one of the few surviving monuments of the Middle Kingdom. It indeed is a rare example of architecture from this period. Furthermore, there is a small columned hall which leads to three shrines. In fact, the shrines which contained statues of deities and the two kings. The temple restored during Dynasty XIX and expanded during the Graeco-Roman Period. Moreover, the temple contains an altar and some Greek inscriptions. In this part, there is also a large worn relief of the crocodile-god Sobek. In fact, it is with a wonderful toothy grin!.
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The Ptolemaic areas also comprise a paved processional way to the south. It is with an avenue of sphinxes and lion statues guarding the route. Furthermore, a kiosk with eight columns built on the processional route. In fact, it led to the twin-columned portico and transverse vestibule in front of the shrines. The temple walls today are only a few meters high. The walls still show some of the inscribed hieroglyphic texts and scenes. There is an important Greek inscription from the temple in the museum at Alexandria. To the east of the temple there are remains of mudbrick store-rooms. In fact, Italian teams of archaeologists worked at Medinet Madi Fayoum. It is since the 1960s.
They uncovered a large Roman town and several early Christian churches. In 1995 a Ptolemaic gate found to the east of the temple. On further investigation another temple discovered beneath the rubble. In fact, the temple dedicated to Sobek. This second temple built of mud-brick with stone doorways and lintels. In fact, its axis at right-angles to the older temple. Tablets and papyri also found in the debris. In fact, it included an important oracular document written in demotic script. The Italian Mission constructed a three-dimensional model and a reconstruction of the monuments. In fact, they which highlighted the important chronological development of the site.
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Another team recently excavated a vaulted structure. It was on the north side of the new temple, but the remains preserved. In fact, the team was from Pisa and Messina Universities. On the north side of the temple court, a crocodile nursery discovered. It was with dozens of eggs in different stages of maturation. In fact, the temple at Medinet Madi is one of the most isolated and romantic sites. In fact, it sets in a long hollow in the desert. The walls constructed from a pale golden limestone. The statues and sphinxes appear and disappear with the windblown soft desert sands. Actually, the ruins are interesting and well worth the effort of getting there.
How to get to Medinet Madi Fayoum Egypt:
Medinet Madi Fayoum located 30 km away of the city of Fyoum. The city is about 100 km south of Cairo, Egypt. A road leads to the village of Abu Gandir. The village is the closest approach to the site which is about 2 km away. In fact, the site located on a small hill. It reached on foot or in a suitable vehicle across the intervening desert. A guide recommended as there are no marked tracks across the sands.
