Archaeologists have made an intriguing discovery in the northern Sinai desert—the remains of a structure believed to have served as a ‘rest house’ for ancient Egyptian forces and possibly even royalty. This discovery is particularly significant as it provides insights into the military campaigns launched by Egyptian rulers into the eastern Mediterranean during the reign of Thutmose III, who ruled from 1479 to 1425 B.C. The building, which features two rectangular hallways and several adjoining rooms, is located at Tel Habwa, a site with a cemetery dating back to later periods.
The absence of pottery fractures within the structure suggests that it was carefully maintained and not used for domestic purposes. This, along with the architectural design of the building, has led experts to believe that it may have been used as a royal respite during military campaigns. The discovery of a hieroglyphic inscription within the building further supports this theory, indicating that the rest house dates back to the time of Thutmose III.
While the discovery of this rest house is undoubtedly captivating, experts emphasize the need for further research to fully understand its significance. The stratigraphy around the building and a cartouche released by the team belong to later periods, necessitating more comprehensive investigations to determine the exact period of its usage. Additionally, there is some uncertainty regarding whether the pharaoh himself would have utilized this rest house, as armies typically traveled with tents, including a royal tent where the king would reside.
