Archaeologists in Egypt have made a groundbreaking discovery, unearthing a 3,000-year-old mining settlement known as the “Lost City of Gold.”
The ancient city, named Aten, is located near Luxor and was first uncovered in 2021. It has since been hailed as one of the most significant archaeological finds since the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb.
After years of extensive excavation, the site has now been fully uncovered, offering remarkable insights into ancient Egyptian civilization. Experts believe Aten played a crucial role in gold extraction during the reign of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, who ruled from 1391 to 1353 BC.
A Glimpse Into Ancient Industry
Excavations have revealed a well-preserved industrial settlement featuring grinding stations, filtration basins, and clay furnaces—evidence of a sophisticated, multi-step gold extraction process. Archaeologists say these findings could provide a deeper understanding of how the ancient Egyptians sourced and refined the precious metal that adorned their temples and tombs.
This latest discovery not only sheds light on Egypt’s rich mining history but also offers a unique glimpse into daily life during one of its most prosperous eras.
As research continues, archaeologists hope to uncover more about the workers who inhabited Aten and the techniques they used to extract and process gold over 3,000 years ago.
