Archaeologists Uncover Ancient Egyptian Artifacts in Nile Delta Tombs

Egyptian RuinsPhoto byAndrea FerrarioonUnsplash

A significant trove of artifacts from Egypt’s last dynasty has been unearthed in 63 tombs in the Nile Delta area, according to a statement by the country’s antiquities authority on Monday. The discoveries, made in the Tell al-Deir necropolis in Damietta city, have prompted a major restoration and classification effort by experts. This extensive work is crucial for preserving and understanding these ancient treasures.

The archaeological mission, conducted by the Supreme Council of Antiquities, uncovered a diverse range of artifacts in mud-brick tombs, including gold pieces, jewelry, statues, and funerary amulets. Notably, a pottery vessel containing 38 bronze coins dating back to the Ptolemaic period was also found.

Neveine el-Arif, a Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities spokeswoman, noted that these artifacts date back to Egypt's Late and Ptolemaic periods. Some of the more significant items may be displayed in one of the country’s museums in the future.

The Ptolemaic dynasty, Egypt’s last before the region became part of the Roman Empire, was established in 305 B.C. following Alexander the Great's conquest of Egypt. The dynasty began with Ptolemy I, one of Alexander’s generals, and ended with the famous Cleopatra.

The tombs are believed to belong to wealthy and influential Egyptians who lived around 2,500 years ago. Archaeologists have suggested that the gold foil figures found within the tombs were likely intended to serve the deceased in the afterlife.

This discovery follows other recent archaeological finds in Egypt. Last May, authorities revealed ancient workshops and tombs at a Pharaonic necropolis near Cairo, and earlier this year, a tomb was uncovered in Luxor, a city renowned for its treasures from the time of the pharaohs.

Egypt’s rich archaeological heritage continues to offer new insights into the lives and customs of ancient civilizations.