# Tell Abu Saifi archaeological excavations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tell-abu-saifi-archaeological-excavations
> Updated: 2026-08-19T17:00:00.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

Archaeological excavations at Tell Abu Saifi in northeastern Egypt have uncovered evidence suggesting the site may be the lost Pharaonic city of Mesen. 

Key findings include a large sandstone lintel, discovered in two pieces, which bears the name of Ramses II and references the god Horus as the ‘Lord of Mesen’. This epigraphic evidence, alongside the discovery of temple remains, storage rooms, and service quarters, supports the identification of the site. 

Researchers have also identified a large mud-brick enclosure wall with doors and gateways, suggesting the structure functioned as a fortified temple citadel. The site is located along the ancient Way of Horus, a strategic military and commercial route connecting the Nile Valley to the Mediterranean Levant.

## Claims

- Archaeologists have made significant discoveries at the Tell Abu Saifi site in northeastern Egypt. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- A massive sandstone lintel, broken into two pieces, was unearthed at the site. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The lintel is inscribed with the titles of Pharaoh Ramesses II. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- An inscription on the sandstone refers to the deity Horus as the ‘Lord of Mesen’. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The site is believed to be the location of the lost New Kingdom city of Mesen. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The site is located along the Way of Horus, a military road connecting Egypt to the eastern Mediterranean. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Excavations uncovered a mudbrick enclosure wall, gateways, and a temple. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-19: Tell Abu Saifi excavations may reveal lost city of Mesen

Archaeologists in Egypt have discovered a sandstone lintel at Tell Abu Saifi that may reveal the location of the lost ancient city of Mesen, once a key stop on the military Way of Horus.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tell-abu-saifi-excavations-may-reveal-lost-city-of-mesen

### 2026-08-15: Tell Abu Saifi excavations reveal evidence of lost city Mesn

Archaeologists at Tell Abu Saifi have discovered a Ramses II inscription and fortified structures that strengthen evidence for the location of the lost ancient Egyptian city of Mesn along the Way of Horus.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tel-abu-saify-discoveries-link-site-to-lost-city-of-msen

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Cite as: Tell Abu Saifi archaeological excavations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tell-abu-saifi-archaeological-excavations