Remains of a residential complex and a wine press—likely used for wine production—have been uncovered, along with various artifacts at the Temple of Sekhmet in Mit Rahina

 The Egyptian-Chinese joint archaeological mission between the Supreme Council of Antiquities and the Shanghai Museum has uncovered a collection of significant artifacts and archaeological elements during its work at the Sekhmet Temple site in Mit Rahina. These discoveries shed further light on the region's history and the nature of life across successive time periods. Travelers exploring the region—whether on a Cairo to Luxor Christmas tour or visiting other historic sites—will find these fresh insights into ancient Egyptian life particularly fascinating.

Mr. Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, expressed his satisfaction with this fruitful collaboration between Egypt and China as two of the world's oldest civilizations. He emphasized that this joint effort represents one aspect of bilateral cooperation in archaeological work, which encompasses several projects and missions across the country.

For his part, Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained that the mission began its work by cleaning and documenting the Sekhmet Temple, which forms part of the Great Temple of Ptah complex. The team also conducted excavations in the surrounding areas to uncover the region's landmarks and understand how it was used throughout the ages.

Among the most prominent discoveries were the remains of a mud-brick residential complex in the area surrounding the temple, alongside several stone blocks and statue fragments. Some of these are likely part of the Great Temple of Ptah, the main temple of the ancient city of Memphis, with the Sekhmet Temple serving as one of its components.

Excavation work in the area east of the temple also revealed a limestone structure believed to have functioned as a winepress. It consists of an upper basin sloping south toward a central opening, a lower collection basin, and sockets above both designed to anchor amphorae used for filling liquid; grape seeds found inside support this interpretation. Such discoveries showcase the rich cultural history that lures visitors taking a Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel Holiday to explore the country's ancient heritage.

Additionally, excavations yielded a diverse array of artifacts, including stone blocks and statue fragments mostly dating back to the New Kingdom, particularly the reign of King Ramesses II. These items were crafted from various types of stone, such as limestone, red granite, and schist, alongside pottery remains, faience amulets, small terracotta and limestone figurines, ostraca, votive stelae, and other finds.

Mr. Mohamed Abdel-Badea, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, noted that these finds indicate continuous human settlement in the area from the Third Intermediate and Late Periods through the Ptolemaic and Greco-Roman eras. This reflects the continuity of life in ancient Memphis even after the temple's role as a primary religious center declined and the region transitioned into a residential district.

The Egyptian-Chinese mission continues its work in upcoming seasons under the leadership of Dr. Reham Zaki, Supervisor of Scientific Affairs at the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, and Dr. Chen Jie, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Museum, alongside a joint team of Egyptian and Chinese specialists. Their goal is to complete the archaeological discovery and architectural documentation of the Sekhmet Temple and its surrounding area. This research complements the broader network of historical and natural sites across the country, ranging from mainland monuments to desert excursions like a 9 days Alexandria, and Siwa oasis tour from Cairo.

It is worth noting that the Sekhmet Temple was discovered by chance in 1959 during house construction in the area. Following the emergence of the temple's remains, Mr. Mohamed Abdel-Tawab El-Hitta, an inspector of Egyptian antiquities, conducted excavations at the site during a single season from 1961 to 1962.

In 2015, the visible archaeological elements on the site's surface were documented through the Memphis Site and Community Management Project, prior to the Egyptian-Chinese mission initiating excavation work at the temple and its surroundings for the first time since 1962. Combined with architectural documentation, these efforts help build a comprehensive picture of ancient life. This rich variety of historical and geographical attractions—from the Nile Valley to the Western Desert—is what makes multi-week itineraries like a 13 Days Cairo, Nile cruise, Fayoum, and oasis Xmas package or a grand 20-Day Egypt Tour Package so popular among international visitors. Ultimately, whether travelers transition from cultural landmarks to coastal resorts via Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh by flight or focus strictly on ancient ruins, discoveries like those at Mit Rahina continue to enhance Egypt's global appeal.