Archaeologists unearth remains of largest ancient Egyptian fortified city in northern Sinai

An ancient Egyptian inscription which was found in what archaeologists believe is the fortress town of Tharu in northern Sinai, is seen in this undated handout photo made available May 28, 2008. Photograph by : Reuters/Supreme Council of Antiquities/Handout

Cairo- May 28, 2008: Egypt's antiquities authority says archaeologists have unearthed 3,000-year-old remains of the largest ancient Egyptian fortified city while exploring an old military road in Sinai that once connected Egypt to Palestine.
Zahi Hawass, chief of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, said Wednesday that archaeologists unearthed relief of King Thutmose II (1516-1504 B.C.), thought to be the first such royal monument found in Sinai. It indicates that Thutmose II may have built a fort in the area.
A 500-by-250 meter mud brick fort with several four-meter-high towers dating to King Ramses II (1304-1237 B.C.) were unearthed in the same area, he said.
The ancient military road known as "Way of Horus" is close to present-day Rafah which borders the Gaza Strip. (IHT)