Red Sea Governorate

Ancient sites in Red Sea Governorate

This collection features significant archaeological remains along Egypt’s Red Sea coast and Eastern Desert. It includes the Ptolemaic seaport of Berenice Troglodytica and the world’s oldest known harbor at Wadi al-Jarf. The list highlights the Roman-era emerald mines of Mons Smaragdus at Sikait, imperial porphyry quarries, and a network of fortified stations (hydreumata) that secured trade routes between the Nile Valley and the Red Sea, revealing centuries of maritime commerce and resource extraction.

Ancient Red Sea Sites — Map

US Government, damit frei verfuegbar / Public domain

A

Berenice Troglodytica

Berenice Troglodytica, also called Berenike or Baranis, is an ancient seaport of Egypt on the western shore of the Red Sea.

B

Wadi al-Jarf

Wadi al-Jarf is the present name for an area on the Red Sea coast of Egypt, 119 km south of Suez, that is the site of the oldest known…

C

South-Sikait

Part of the Mons Smaragdus region, this site contains remains of an ancient emerald mining settlement dating to the Ptolemaic and Roman periods.

D

Large Temple

A significant rock-cut temple dedicated to the goddess Isis, featuring architectural elements carved directly into the mountain within the Sikait mining complex.

E

North-Sikait

Northern sector of the ancient emerald mining settlement, featuring ruins of stone dwellings and mining infrastructure in the Wadi Sikait.

F

Middle-Sikait

Central ruins of the Sikait emerald mining community, situated between the northern and southern settlement areas.

G

Deir el-Badr

Remains of a Roman-era station located along the ancient desert routes connecting the Nile to the Red Sea ports.

H

Abu Rahal

A Roman-era fortified watering station, or hydreuma, situated on the ancient trade route between Edfu and the port of Berenice.

I

Ghuzza

Roman-era ruins in the Eastern Desert, historically associated with the network of stations and quarries in the region.

J

Barud

Site of an ancient Roman quarry known for producing high-quality diorite, including remains of the associated workers' settlement.

K

Deir el-Atrash

A Roman-era fortified station on the desert road, used to secure trade and provide water for caravans traveling through the Eastern Desert.

L

Deir Kebir Wadi Ma'amal

Roman-era ruins located in the vicinity of the Mons Porphyrites quarries, likely serving as a support settlement or station.

M

Bab el-Mukhenig

Remains of a Roman-era desert station that facilitated travel and transport along the ancient routes of the Red Sea.

N

Umm Balad, Mons Porphyrites

A fortified Roman settlement and outpost that supported the nearby imperial porphyry quarries of Mons Porphyrites.

O

Abu Midrik

A Roman-era fortified hydreuma located on the Edfu-Berenice road, designed to protect and provide water for desert travelers.

P

Qattar

Site of a Roman-era station near Wadi Qattar, featuring ancient rock inscriptions and remains of desert infrastructure.

Q

Wadi Belih

A Roman praesidium, or fort, located in Wadi Belih, serving the logistical needs of the nearby Mons Porphyrites quarrying operations.

R

Bir el-Hammamat

A major ancient quarrying site in Wadi Hammamat, famous for its extensive collection of rock inscriptions spanning from the Old Kingdom to the Roman period.

S

Bir Abraq

Archaeological site featuring ancient rock art and the ruins of a fortified settlement dating to the Ptolemaic and Roman eras.

T

Wadi Kalalat

Site of a large Roman-era fortified water station that served as a critical supply point for the nearby port of Berenice.

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Red Sea Governorate: Unmissable Highlights Top Diving Spots Top Resorts and Hotels Majestic Mountain Peaks