RELIGION OF THE PAST.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 19 February 1931, Page 5

RELIGION OF THE PAST.

INTERESTING DISCOVERY IN EGYPT! IMPOSING SANCTUARY OF THE CROCODILE GOD. (By Telegraph-Press Assn.-Copyright.) (Times Cable). (Received. This Day, 11.5 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 18. The Cairo correspondent of the Times says that for the first time in the history of Egyptian excavation, a complete sanctuary of the crocodile god Sukonfis has been discovered. An Italian archaeological expedition unearthed the temple of Tebtinis, in the Fayum district. The discovery will enable the re-construction of the weird practises of this strange cult, which Greek and Roman tourists paid special visits to observe. The expedition found a paved court, flanked by four buildings, probably chambers in which the priests awaited divine inspiration, which was the main concern of the crocodile gods. The servants’ entrances are decorated with statues of lions and sphinxes. At the end of 'the seered way is the main limestone temple, the portals of which are flanked by a statue of Pharaoh and a sleeping lion. The walls are copiously adorned with paintings and sunk reliefs.