Remains of Greco-Roman era tombs uncovered

CAIRO – 10 January 2018: An official statement released by the Ministry of Antiquities mentioned that a number of archaeological elements and remains of tombs, dating back to the Greco-Roman era, were uncovered during excavations carried out in the eastern section of the Hellenistic cemetery by an Egyptian archaeological mission working at Al-Abd land in Alexandria.

The most important of these discoveries is a tombstone that was once used to close one of the burial shafts. According to Dr. Mostafa Waziri, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, these remains are a collection of offering vessels and lamps decorated with scenes of deities.


The new archaeological discoveries. Courtesy of the Official statement by the Ministry of Antiquities

The site of Al-Abd land is located within the eastern cemetery of the ancient city of Alexandria.

Dr. Ayman Ashmawy, head of the Ancient Egyptian Antiquities Sector, mentioned in the same statement that the tombstone contains various decorations and inscriptions implemented with a mixture of sand and lime on a flat background.

These newly discovered elements represent the facade of an ancient Egyptian-style temple portray, a scene showing a staircase that leads to the entrance and two columns holding the entrance’s roof. This staircase leads to an open door, one of which is a half-opening topped with a sun disk winged decoration.

The tombstone is currently being renovated as it is in a bad condition.

The new archaeological discoveries. Courtesy of the Official statement by the Ministry of Antiquities