Berenice Troglodytica, ancient port in Egypt
Berenice Troglodytica is an ancient port on the west coast of the Red Sea in Egypt, situated on a narrow strip of land between high mountains and the sea. The ruins include temple remains with sculptures and inscriptions, harbor walls, house foundations, and several natural caves along the coastal cliffs that may have served as storage areas.
The city was founded around 275 BCE by Ptolemy II and named after his mother Berenice I. It flourished as a trade port connecting Egypt, India, and Arabia, but declined after the 6th century CE when sediment filled the harbor and made it unusable.
The name Troglodytica refers to the cave dwellers who once lived in this region and were called Troglodytai by ancient writers. Archaeological finds show that people from South India lived here and practiced their religions, as evidenced by a Buddha statue discovered in the temple area.
The site is easy to walk through since it is not very large, and you can explore all the ruins on foot. It is wise to bring water and sturdy shoes since the ground is sandy and the sun can be strong.
Excavations since the 1990s have revealed one of the oldest known pet cemeteries, with remains of monkeys, cats, and dogs dating back over 2000 years. Additionally, a Buddha statue was discovered in the temple area, showing that Indian religious influences were present in this ancient port.
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