ANTINOUS MAY HAVE SEEN HUGE STRUCTURE NOW DISCOVERED IN EGYPT

Archaeologists have discovered a “massive” ancient building which Antinous and Hadrian may have seen during their visit to the ancient Egyptian city of Mennefer/Memphis in September/October of the year 130 AD.

The building was found in the ruins of Mennefer, now called the town of Mit Rahina, 12 miles (20km) south of the modern capital, Cairo.

The country’s Antiquities Ministry said archaeologists also uncovered an attached building which includes a large Roman bath and another chamber that was likely used for religious rituals.

Mostafa Waziri, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the building probably formed part of the residential block in the area, which was the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis. 

Memphis, founded in 3100 BC, was home to Menes, the king who united Upper and Lower Egypt. 

“The discovered building was built of brick blocks supported by huge blocks of limestone, whose foundations, external walls and inner staircase were built with red brick molds,” Mr Waziri said, according to Egypt Today. 

He said the area would be excavated and studied in order to discover more about the building.