The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has just unveiled an incredible discovery - 33 archaeological tombs dating back to the Late Period of ancient Egypt and the Greek and Roman eras, found near the Aga Khan Mausoleum in Aswan governorate. This remarkable find made by a joint Egyptian-Italian mission offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of this region and is sure to captivate the imagination of history enthusiasts and explorers alike.
Situated in close proximity to the Agha Khan cemetery, these tombs are a treasure trove of historical significance, providing valuable insights into the lives of the inhabitants of the nearby island of Elephantine. The tombs, attributed to the middle class of that era, exhibit a diverse range of architectural features, comprising simple structures hewn into the bedrock as well as more elaborate designs featuring vaulted entrances and open courtyards. Upon excavation, the archaeologists unearthed an extensive array of funerary items, including intricately crafted stone and wooden coffins, terracotta figurines, and offering tables, each offering a fascinating glimpse into the burial practices and beliefs of the time.
The discovery's most intriguing facet lies in the thorough anthropological study conducted on the mummified remains. The findings unveiled that a substantial 30-40% of the interred individuals were newborns, teenagers, or young adults. Furthermore, evidence of various health issues among the deceased, including infectious diseases and metabolic disorders, was brought to light. A particularly noteworthy find was the remains of a woman who had not only survived a femur amputation but also displayed indications of advanced medical knowledge and practices of the time. Additionally, other remains exhibited signs of anaemia, tuberculosis, osteoarthritis, and nutritional deficiencies, offering a compelling and detailed insight into the myriad challenges faced by people from that era and region.
According to local media reports, the general supervisor of Aswan and Nubian antiquities and Egypt’s director of the archaeological mission, Abdel Moneim-Saeed, revealed that the mummies discovered consist of an adult, possibly a woman, and a child who passed away at around one or two years of age. These bodies were found in close proximity within a stone coffin, and further examinations will be carried out to ascertain their precise relationship. This discovery suggests that the middle class of Aswan Island's population may have been buried in this area of the cemetery, while the upper class was interred in the upper part of the cemetery. Additionally, preliminary studies, directed by the professor of Egyptian archaeology at the University of Milan and the director of the Italian side of the mission, Patrizia Piacentini, indicate that among the mummies, several died at a young age – some as newborns, while others had reached puberty.
Egypt has always been a fascinating place for those who appreciate history. This is where the mighty River Nile meanders through time-honoured ancient ruins, and the expansive Sahara desert stretches endlessly towards the horizon. It has a captivating blend of archaeological marvels and breathtaking natural landscapes. Various archaeological excavations over the years have uncovered some fascinating treasures. In April 2021, archaeologists discovered the largest ancient city ever found in Egypt. It was unearthed hundreds of miles south of Cairo, not far from the tombs of the Valley of the Kings near Luxor. Experts say it's likely the lost Golden City, buried under sands near the modern-day city of Luxor, home of the legendary Valley of the Kings.
American and Egyptian archaeologists also discovered what may be the oldest known beer factory. The ancient brewery was found in Abydos, an old burial ground situated in the desert west of the Nile River about 280 miles away. It dates back to the era when King Narmer was widely known for his contribution to the unification of ancient Egypt. The unification took place between 3150 BC-2163 BC&mdashthe First Dynamic Period.