Ptolemaic and Roman Tombs uncovered in Al Bahnasa

Photo Credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

In an excavation within Egypt's Minya governorate, archaeologists have unearthed a series of tombs, shedding light on the opulent burial customs prevalent during the Ptolemaic and Roman eras. Nestled in the city of Al Bahnasa, this discovery offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Egypt's historical legacy.

Under the excavation led by the University of Barcelona in collaboration with the Ancient Near East Institute, these high-status tombs, carved into the bedrock, stand as silent testaments to the enduring traditions of burial and ritualistic practices spanning multiple periods.

The tombs themselves reveal an array of artefacts, offering a window into the afterlife beliefs of the ancient societies. Coffins, mummies, and gold funerary masks adorn these resting places, while a striking collection of terracotta statues takes center stage, predominantly portraying the figure of Isis-Aphrodite. This representation, merging the attributes of the goddess Isis with the fertility symbolism of Aphrodite, signifies aspects of marriage, childbirth, and the cycle of rebirth entrenched within ancient pharaonic ideologies.

Delving deeper into the Roman period, the excavations uncovered mummies adorned with gilded and painted funerary masks. Remarkably, two of these mummies were discovered with golden tongues placed within their mouths—a fascinating ritual aimed at enabling communication in the afterlife, allowing the departed to plead their case before the divine court of Osiris, an ancient Egyptian god.

D. Hassan Amer, a prominent figure from the University of Cairo involved in the excavation, highlighted the discovery of intricately decorated stone blocks adorned with plant drawings, clusters of grapes, and depictions of animals and birds, including pigeons and cobras.

Photo Credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities