Archaeologists, First-ever Roman-era Tombs Dug Directly into the Rock Uncovered in Al Bahnasa, Egypt
Rock-hewn Ptolemaic and Roman tombs with intriguing golden masks, mummies, coffins, and terracotta statues have been unearthed in the historic city of Al Bahnasa in the Minya governorate, Egypt.
Al-Bahnasa is a modern name of the ancient city of Oxyrhynchus (‘town of the sharp-snouted fish’), that after the conquest of Egypt by Alexander the Great in 332 BC, it was reestablished as a Hellenistic town.
In the Hellenistic period, Oxyrhynchus was a prosperous regional capital, the third-largest city in Egypt. After Egypt was Christianized, it became famous for its many churches and monasteries.
The Spanish team from the University of Barcelona and the Institute of Ancient Near East was led by archaeologists Maite Mascort and Esther Pons Miladou.
Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) Mostafa Waziri, says that “the new discovery is shedding more light on the rich history of the region.”
Waziri informs that the team discovered a series of rock-cut tombs dating back to both the Ptolemaic time (305-30 BC) and Roman period (30 BC-641 AD) .
The discovered treasures display very unique burial practices and artistic expressionsassociated with this period of time.
He pointed out that one of the most remarkable findings is the discovery of terracotta statues depicting deity Isis-Aphrodite adorned with foliage crowns, representing a significant addition to the archaeological record.
“This find suggests that Al Bahnasa still harbours numerous secrets waiting to be unveiled,” Waziri emphasized, writes Ahram Online.
The excavation also revealed Roman-era mummies, some of which were adorned with gilded and coloured funeral masks.
In an intriguing twist, two mummies were found with golden tongues placed inside their mouths—a distinctive feature known from the Roman era in Al Bahnasa, believed to symbolize the preservation of the deceased.
“The team discovered parts of a ruined structure adorned with captivating drawings
depicting intricate details of plants, grapevines, and various animals, providing
valuable insights into the daily life and cultural significance of Al Bahnasa during ancient times,” explained Adel Okasah, head of the Central Administration Department for Middle Egypt Antiquities.
He expressed excitement about the ongoing excavation efforts, noting that the mission’s dedication and expertise promise even more remarkable discoveries in the seasons to come.
