Roman Emperor Tiberius Stele Uncovered During Karnak Temple Restoration in Egypt

Researchers from the Franco-Egyptian Centre for the Study of the Temples of Karnak (CFEETK) have completed a multi-year restoration project at the Karnak temple complex in Egypt. The work focused on the northern gate of Ramses III's enclosure, which had been collapsed and overgrown. During excavations associated with the restoration, archaeologists discovered a previously unknown sandstone stele depicting Roman Emperor Tiberius making offerings to the Theban triad of Amun-Ra, Mut, and Khonsu. The stele, measuring 60cm high and bearing a five-line hieroglyphic inscription, dates to the Greco-Roman period and provides insight into continued religious activity at the site. The restoration project, which began in 2022 and involved dismantling and reconstructing the gate, also revealed other architectural elements including blocks from the reign of Amenhotep III and a paved pathway.