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Ancient zodiac symbols have been uncovered in the Temple of Esna, Egypt, where a rare full set of astrological symbols has been found hidden under 2,000 years' worth of grime. 

Fortunately, it was the grime that protected and preserved the artifacts. Even the vivid colors of the symbols have been preserved.

A full set of ancient Egyptian zodiac signs were found in the Temple. 

This is a rare discovery. And it is one of only three full sets of ancient Egyptian zodiac signs ever found in Egyptian temples.

The discovery was made by a team of experts from the Egyptian Centre of Documentation of Antiquities. And a team from the University of Tübingen, Germany, who have been renovating and documenting the temple's original colors. 

The only building of the temple complex that still remains is known as Hypostyle Hall.

It is a 121-foot-long, 65-foot-wide, and 50-foot-high sandstone structure. And according to the University of Tübingen press release 24 columns support the vestibule.

Ancient zodiac symbols

Some of the astrological texts found included horoscopes. They were inscribed on ceramic-like pottery sherds found on the archaeological site. 

Astrology was adopted late in Egyptian history, during the Greco-Roman times.

There are 12 Egyptian star signs which range from Aries to Pisces. The ancients used these symbols to decorate private tombs and sarcophagi. And their beliefs were validated by astrological texts.

The Sagittarius is represented by a horse with the torso of a human archer – though in ancient Egyptian times, he also had a spiked tail and wings. 

The Scorpio is also easy to recognize. It is represented by a scorpion surrounded by a myriad of stars. 

The Temple of Esna dates back to the Greco-Roman times. And it was completed in A.D. 250.

The temple, known for its astronomical ceiling, took 400 years to complete. And every inch of the site is covered in intricate designs.