Discovery of Ptolemaic-Era Tombs in Egypt

Cairo, Dec 14 (NationPress) A collaborative archaeological effort between Egyptian and Spanish teams has revealed multiple tombs from the Ptolemaic period (332-30 BC) at the Al-Bahnasa archaeological site located in southern Egypt's Minya province, as announced by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities on Saturday.

The tombs showcase vibrant decorations, mummies, skeletons, coffins, and remarkable artifacts, including amulets, heart scarabs, and depictions of deities, according to a statement from the ministry.

A rectangular stone burial well was discovered that leads to a cemetery housing numerous mummies arranged side by side, indicating that these spaces were utilized as mass graves, the statement elaborated.

This marks the first discovery of human remains in Al-Bahnasa, which includes 13 golden tongues and nails from mummies dating back to the Ptolemaic era, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

The inscriptions and illustrations of ancient Egyptian characters on the tombs will enhance the understanding of the area's history and illuminate the religious customs prevalent during the Ptolemaic era, the ministry stated.

On December 8, an Egyptian-Dominican archaeological team also uncovered a range of artifacts at the Taposiris Magna temple complex, situated west of Alexandria.

The findings, which consist of statues, coins, and pottery, provide new insights into the site's history during the late Ptolemaic period, according to the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

The mission unearthed foundational deposits located beneath the southern wall of the temple's outer enclosure.

Among the notable discoveries is a small white marble statue of a woman adorned with a royal crown and a limestone bust of a king wearing a 'nemes' headdress.

The head of the mission suggested that the female statue could represent Queen Cleopatra VII, although some archaeologists propose it may depict a princess due to variations in facial characteristics.

The team also discovered 337 coins, many of which feature the image of Cleopatra VII, alongside diverse pottery, oil lamps, limestone storage vessels for food and cosmetics, bronze figurines, and an amulet shaped like a scarab inscribed with the phrase 'The justice of Ra has shone.'

A bronze ring dedicated to the goddess Hathor was also among the finds.

These discoveries, in conjunction with pottery shards from the late Ptolemaic period, indicate that the temple walls were constructed in the first century BC.

Martinez additionally reported the unearthing of a Greek temple's remains dating back to the fourth century BC, which was destroyed between the second century BC and the early AD era.

This temple is positioned near a deep tunnel system extending from Lake Mariut in Alexandria to the Mediterranean Sea.

Furthermore, the mission revealed a large cemetery containing 20 burial chambers, as well as a tomb comprising three chambers beneath the ancient Taposiris Magna lighthouse.

Within one of these chambers, nine white marble busts and several other artifacts were discovered, as stated.

Initial underwater excavations near the remnants of the Taposiris Magna temple have also uncovered human skeletal remains and a significant quantity of pottery, further highlighting the historical and cultural importance of the site, according to the statement.