Egyptian archeologists discovered 18 previously unknown Ptolemaic and Roman tombs on July 4, 2023, at the Marina el-Alamein archeological site near Alexandria. This significant finding, reported by Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, sheds light on ancient Egyptian beliefs and funerary customs during the Greco-Roman period.
Significant Tomb Discoveries at Marina el-Alamein
The newly excavated tombs include 11 rock-cut tombs reaching depths of up to 26 feet and seven surface tombs made from limestone. Many burial chambers were sealed with stone slabs, preserving their contents for over 2,000 years. Among these findings is an impressive 8-foot-long sarcophagus with its original lid intact, containing skeletal remains currently under study.
Additionally, Eman Abdel-Khaliq, the mission chief, reported the discovery of part of a plaster statue of a sphinx nearby. This indicates the site's rich historical significance and the potential for further discoveries.
Gold Funerary Amulets and Cultural Insights
Among the most remarkable artifacts uncovered were 24 gold funerary amulets shaped like tongues. Some of these amulets were placed in the mouths of the deceased, believed to aid them in communicating with the gods of the underworld. These “golden tongues,” made of thin gold foil, highlight the continuity of Egyptian funerary practices even under Greek and Roman influence.
