In the arid expanse of Egypt’s eastern Nile Delta, archaeologists have unearthed the remnants of Imet, a city centered around the cobra goddess, Wadjet. This significant discovery was made under a mound at Tell el-Fara’in, translating to “Mound of the Pharaohs.” Once a pivotal hub during Egypt’s Late Period, Imet has recently resurfaced from centuries of neglect and obscurity.

The excavation, led by Dr. Nicky Nielsen from the University of Manchester in collaboration with Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the University of Sadat City, has revealed an extensive snapshot of ancient urban life. Unlike typical finds of temples or royal tombs, archaeologists discovered multistoried homes, ceremonial pathways, granaries, and various religious artifacts—remarkably well-preserved given the degrading nature of mud brick in the region. The architecture of Imet reflects a thriving community, characterized by densely constructed “tower houses” with impressively thick foundations.

Such structures are uncommon outside the Delta and illustrate that Imet was not just surviving; it was flourishing. According to Dr. Nielsen, the prevalence of these houses suggests a sophisticated urban infrastructure designed to support a growing populace. The city’s spiritual heart was marked by the temple of Wadjet, the powerful cobra-headed goddess, who was seen as a protector of Lower Egypt.

A ceremonial avenue once linked her temple with the surrounding city, although this path fell into disuse by the Ptolemaic period, signaling shifts in religious practices. In addition to architecture, the excavation unveiled artifacts like a green faience ushabti figurine, a stele depicting the god Horus, and a sistrum, an ancient musical instrument. These findings paint a vibrant picture of daily life in Imet, illustrating that this city was more than a mere relic of the past; it was a vibrant community bustling with trade, worship, and daily activities.

Through this excavation, Imet is poised to reshape our understanding of Late Period Egyptian archaeology, emphasizing the dynamics of urban life alongside divine influences.