Uncovering Ancient Zodiac Signs in Egyptian Temple Walls

During the current repair and restoration work in the temple of the god Khnum in the city of Esna, archaeologists discovered wall paintings with images of the zodiac.

Researchers at the University of Tübingen discovered wall paintings depicting the zodiac and some of the planets during renovation work at the temple of the god Khnum in the town of Esna, Heritage Daily reports.

Archaeologist Christian Leitz says: “Constellation images are rarely found in ancient Egyptian temples. Because the circle of constellations dates back to Babylonian astronomy, and in Egypt it appeared only in the Ptolemaic era.

It seems that the zodiac appeared in Egypt after the Greeks began to use it.

Scientists have found in this temple, in addition to wall paintings, only two fully preserved copies – both in the sanctuary in Dendera. Also found were wall paintings depicting the planets Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, as well as stars and constellations, which determined the time.

It is noteworthy that the construction of the temple in Esna began during the reign of Pharaoh Thutmose III (1479-1425 BC) and was completed in the era of the Roman Ptolemies (40-250 AD). The ancient Egyptians believed that the god Khnum created man from clay, and considered him the guardian of the floods of the Nile.

Source: News