Ancient Greek gymnasium unearthed in Egypt

November 7, 2017
Written by E.Tsiliopoulos

Archaeologists in Egypt have now discovered remnants of an ancient gymnasium dating back about 2,300 years, from the Hellenistic period.

The discovery was made by a German-Egyptian mission at the site of Watfa in Fayoum province, about 50 miles southwest of the capital, Cairo.

Watfa is the site of the ancient village of Philoteris, founded by King Ptolemy II in the 3rd century BC.

Ayman Ashmawi of the ministry said the gymnasium consists of a large meeting hall, once adorned with statues, a dining hall, a courtyard and a nearly 200-metre-long racetrack.

Cornelia Roemer, head of the mission, has said the discovery clearly shows the impact of Greek life in Egypt, not only in Alexandria, but also in the countryside.

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