110 tombs spanning back to 3 different ancient Egyptian eras discovered in Egypt’s Dakahlia

CAIRO – 27 April 2021: The archaeological mission working in Kom Al-Khalejan area, Dakahlia Governorate, headed by Sayed Al-Talhawi, succeeded in uncovering 110 tombs dating back to three different ancient eras.

This includes Lower Egypt civilizations, known as Boto 1 and 2, the Naqada III civilization, and the Second Transition Era known as the Hyksos Period, according to Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Mustafa Waziri, who stressed the discovery is an important historical and archaeological addition to the site.

Part of the discovery - ET

Among the tombs that were found are 68 tombs dating back to the era of the Lower Egypt civilization and five tombs from the era of Naqada III civilization, as well as 37 tombs from the era of the Hyksos. Excavations are continuing to reveal more secrets of this region.

Part of the discovery - ET

For his part, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities Ayman Ashmawy added that the 68 tombs are oval-shaped pits cut in the sandy island of the region, where individuals were buried in them in the squatting position. Most of those buried are lying on their left side with their head facing west. That is in addition to uncovering the remains of a baby burial in a pottery vessel from the Boto II period, with a small spherical pottery vessel placed with it.

Part of the discovery - ET

Ashmawi said that the five tombs dating back to the Naqada III period are also oval-shaped pits cut in the island's sand layer,  and include two tombs with their sides, bottom and roof covered with a layer of clay.

Part of the discovery - ET

The mission found, inside the pits, a group of the funerary furniture distinguishing this period, including cylindrical and pear-shaped vessels in addition to a kohl bowl, whose surface is decorated with drawings and geometric shapes.

Part of the discovery - ET

Head of the Central Department of Lower Egypt at the Supreme Council of Antiquities Nadia Khader said that the cemeteries of the second transition era (the Hyksos period) contained 37 tombs, of which 31 were semi-rectangular pits with depths ranging between 20 cm and 85 cm.

Part of the discovery - ET

These tombs are characterized by the extended position of the burials, with the head facing west and up. This is in addition to the discovery of a pottery sarcophagus with a child buried inside and two cemeteries made of mud bricks in the form of a rectangular building, inside which are two children's burials and some funeral furniture were found.

Part of the discovery - ET

The mission also found a group of ovens and stoves and the remains of mud-brick foundations; pottery vessels; amulets and scarabs, some of which were made of semi-precious stones; and jewelry such as earrings.