Oldest ancient Egyptian astronomical observatory discovered

Archaeologists have identified the first ancient Egyptian astronomical observatory on record, which they say is the “first and largest” of its kind, according to a translated statement from the country’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

An Egyptian archaeological team discovered the remains of the sixth-century-B.C. structure three years ago during excavations at an archaeological site in the ancient city of Buto, now called Tell Al-Faraeen, in Egypt’s Kafr El-Sheikh governorate.

“Everything we found shattered our expectations,” Hossam Ghonim, director general of Kafr El-Sheikh Antiquities and head of the Egyptian archaeological mission, told Live Science.

The team uncovered the ruins of an L-shaped mud-brick building spanning over 9,150 square feet (850 square meters). Its east-facing entrance, marked by a traditional gateway known as a pylon, leads to a spot where sunlight would have illuminated where the sky observer — known as ‘smn pe’ and who was usually a priest — stood to track the sun and stars, Ghonim said.

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Why should the state control all communications? They have consistently abused their powers. We the plebs can best affect this travesty by understanding it and being mostly on the same page with each other. On a side note, I can’t help but suspect EU bureaucrats are jealous of Durov. ABN

Nicotine is GOOD for you — Dr Ardis

It is easy to grow your own tobacco. Cure it by hanging mature plants in a shed or somewhere they won’t be disturbed. You can use it as chew as soon as it is dry, but the flavor improves with age. Store it in mason jars when they have cured to a point you like. It will keep for many years and only improve. I use a very small amount, about 1 sq mm, for chew a few times a day. I add nothing to it, just a plain small piece of a leaf. Nicorette tablets are also good. One 2mg tablet can be used and reused a few times during the day. You do not need very much to get the benefit. ABN