30 Newly Discovered Egyptian Tombs
This archaeological dig occurred near the ancient city of Aswan. A joint Egyptian and Italian team uncovered these hillside tombs during research conducted outside of official channels.
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This quickly led to the Egyptian government stepping in, taking control, and ensuring it was all properly handled. Now, thanks to new press releases from the government, we’re learning what these researchers found.
An Ancient Site
Archaeologists believe this tomb site was first active around 332 BCE to 395 BCE during Egypt’s late Greek and Roman periods.
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About 33 graves were found in these hillside carvings. Alongside these tombs, researchers were also able to discover many items left behind, possibly from past mourners.
A Much-Used Site
Archaeologists also believe these hillside tombs were used for centuries by families. As a result, they believe these tombs were likely used by those in the region for about 900 years.
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Though these graves do differ from one another, scientists have uncovered that many of these tombs have something in common: many contain children.
A Tomb Full of Children
The Egyptian archaeological sector of the Supreme Council, Ayman Ashmawi, explained that about 40% of the 33 graves discovered hold the remains of either newborns or young children who passed away during their first few years.
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However, other graves and mummies found suggest that these tombs contain family remains, as well.
Left Behind Lamps
Interestingly, a 10-level tomb was found to still have oil lamps that seem to have been left behind by mourners centuries ago.
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Patrizia Piacentini, an Egyptologist from the University of Milan who led the dig, explained, “We can imagine how spectacular it was when, for example, during the [mourners’] feast, all these tombs were illuminated.”
How These Ancient People Died
Archaeologists have also already started to research how those in these newly found graves may have died long ago in Egypt.
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Preliminary research suggests that many may have died from infectious diseases, malnutrition, or other osteoarthritis disorders. One family may have even been killed by tuberculosis.
Learning More About Ancient Diseases
Thanks to this discovery, scientists are hoping to learn more about the ancient diseases that may have decimated communities from centuries ago.
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However, these tombs can also help researchers shed light on a very important trading city in ancient Egyptian times.
Middle Class vs the Rich
Archaeologists have revealed that this tomb likely was created to house the remains of the lower or middle-class Aswan residents in a different area from those who were deemed well off.
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As a result, middle-class remains can be found in the lower sections of the tomb, while the richer residents of the city reside in the upper portions of the structure. However, some tombs were found near an open courtyard, while others were actually carved into the mountain.
Odd Discoveries
A few odd discoveries were made that archaeologists have yet to understand. Many different objects — such as certain sacrificial tables and forms of wooden coffins — have also been uncovered during this dig.
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Colored cardboard and forms of burnt clay and stones were also discovered. So far, they’re not sure what these objects may have been used for.
The Most Remarkable Find
While much of this tomb simply held graves, archaeologists have revealed that several mummies were also discovered.
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Most remarkably, one stone coffin had two mummies completely glued together. This find has completely stunned researchers, as they have no idea why this may have happened.
Ongoing Research
Thanks to these odd discoveries — most notably the glued-together bodies found in one coffin — archaeologists have explained that they’re going to be conducting additional research into these finds.
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They’re hoping to study these glued-together mummies to find out what their relationship may have been during their lives.