The American magazine Archaeology Magazine has chosen the archaeological necropolis discovered near the Aga Khan Mausoleum west of Aswan, which dates back to the Late and Greco-Roman periods, as one of the top 10 archaeological discoveries of 2024. The magazine described the discovery of the Aswan necropolis from these periods as a significant historical addition to the Aswan archaeological area. It also represents a crucial step toward enhancing understanding and knowledge of ancient Egyptian civilization during this era. Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained that the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced this discovery last June. The discovery was made by the joint Egyptian-Italian archaeological mission during its work near the Aga Khan Mausoleum, led by Dr. Patrizia Piacentini, a professor of Egyptology at the University of Milan. The discovery revealed several previously unknown family tombs from the Late and Greco-Roman periods. The recognition of this discovery among the top 10 for 2024 highlights its contribution to understanding the archaeological significance of the area, reaffirming Aswan’s importance as a key site in ancient Egyptian history. The magazine praised the significance of the discovery, describing the necropolis as an unconventional type in Egypt. It features 10 multi-layered burial levels, reflecting a broad social stratification, and provides a deeper understanding of social life in Aswan during the Greco-Roman era. The magazine also noted that the uncovered necropolis spans 25 acres and includes over 400 tombs containing the remains of thousands of men, women, and children. These date back to the period between the 2nd century BCE and the 2nd century CE. Unique artifacts were found within the necropolis, including small statues, vividly colored cartonnage, plaster, and linen layers used for wrapping mummies.
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