Archeologists unearth 3200-year-old Egyptian military barracks indicating Libyan threat

Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a 3200-year-old Egyptian military barracks, potentially revealing ancient defensive strategies against Libyan invaders, according to Live Science.

Among the findings was a bronze sword inscribed with the name of Ramses II, one of Egypt’s most celebrated pharaohs, who ruled from 1279 to 1213 B.C. 

The barracks' strategic location in the Northwest Nile River region highlights concerns about invasions from the western Sahara and Mediterranean during Ramses II’s reign, according to a statement by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

This discovery supports historical texts describing a group known as “The Libyans,” who posed a growing threat to Egypt at the time, according to Anthony Spaligner, a professor of classics and ancient history at the University of Auckland in New Zealand.

"The fortress/garrison was meant to control entrance into Egypt," he said.

Although Ramses II built several military installations across northwest Egypt, none are as well preserved as this newly discovered site, according to Peter Brand, director of the Karnak Great Hypostyle Hall Project at the University of Memphis.

"It’s an important discovery for understanding the strategy and logistics of Egypt’s military under Ramses II," he told Live Science.

The find offers valuable insights into the military architecture and defense tactics employed during one of Ancient Egypt’s most significant periods of foreign threats.