The Lost Army of Cambyses [Not?] Found

Several bloggers have posted on the recent news that archaeologists have found the remains of Cambyses’s army lost in the western deserts of Egypt to a sandstorm 2,500 years ago. According to news reports, a large number of human bones as well as bronze weapons and jewelry were found in the Egyptian desert and it was believed that the bones were the remains of the legendary Persian army of Cambyses.

Andie, at Egyptology News has made the following announcement:

Thanks to Bob Partridge, editor of Ancient Egypt magazine, for forwarding an urgent announcement from the Supreme Council of Antiquities:

We need to inform you that recent reports published in newspapers, news agencies and TV news announcing that “twin brothers Angelo and Alfredo Castiglioni have unearthed remains of the Persian army of Cambyses,” are unfounded and misleading. The brothers are not heading any archaeological mission in Berenike Panchrysos at the small Bahrin Oasis near Siwa Oasis. This site has been excavated since 2002 by an Italian mission led by Dr. Paulo Gallo of Turin University

The Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) has already informed the proper legal and security authorities in Egypt and are taking the necessary procedures.

We wait more news on this developing controversy.

Claude Mariottini
Professor of Old Testament
Northern Baptist Seminary

Tags: Archaeology, Cambyses