Egypt uncovers first complete bath complex, ancient hydraulic system north of Suez Canal

Archaeologists in Port Said, Egypt, have unearthed the first complete bathing complex at the Tell Nasser archaeological site, located 1.5 km north of the Suez Canal. The discovery, announced by Egypt's Tourism and Antiquities, includes both private and public bathing units along with a comprehensive ancient hydraulic system for water supply and drainage. Preliminary studies indicate settlement at the site began in the late fourth and early third centuries BCE, predating the bathing complex, which was likely built in the late first century BCE and remained in use through the Roman period. Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, stated the find offers "a full picture of ancient hydraulic engineering in the eastern Delta region." The complex features unique elements like a private circular basin and public circular rooms with footbaths, providing new insights into Ptolemaic and Roman-era architecture and public services.