Culture Minister Farouk Hosni has announced the discovery of Egypt's oldest military fortress east of the Suez Canal.

The fortress was found during routine excavations conducted by Supreme Council of Antiquities archaeologists.

The fortress's remains show 13-metre wide walls, one gate and 24 control towers.

SCA Secretary General Zahi Hawwas said archaeologists have also found a water canal that surrounded the fortress as the first defense line.

The inscriptions found on the walls date back to the 19th dynasty.

"The fortress was built in the ancient city of Tharaw, which was a launch-pad for the Egyptian army at the time to fight invaders and protect the eastern borders of Egypt," said Mohammad Abdel Maksoud, the head of the archeological mission.