Egyptian archeologists have found 18 previously unknown Ptolomeic and Roman tombs, as well as a stone sarcophagus and rare grave goods, at the Marina el-Alamein archeological site near Alexandria. The news was first reported by Heritage Daily on July 4, following an announcement by Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
The most recent discovery offers fresh insights into Marina el-Alamein, one of Egypt’s best-preserved ancient settlements, and illustrates how Egyptian beliefs and funerary customs persisted under Greek and Roman rule.
The 18 newly excavated tombs consist of 11 rock-cut tombs reaching depths of up to 26 feet and seven surface tombs built from limestone. Several burial chambers were found still sealed with stone slabs, which had preserved their contents for over 2000 years.
One of the most remarkable discoveries was an 8-foot-long sarcophagus with its original lid still in place. Inside, the archeologists found skeletal remains that are now being studied. Close by, according to the mission chief, Eman Abdel-Khaliq, the archeologists found part of a plaster statue of a sphinx.
Another exceptional find was 24 gold funerary amulets in the shape of tongues, some of which were placed in the mouths of the deceased. Made of thin gold foil, these “golden tongues” were intended to help the dead speak to the gods of the underworld. Researchers also discovered a gold amulet depicting the Eye of Horus, further evidence that Egyptian funerary practices were still in place during the Greco-Roman period.
Additional discoveries included a limestone offering altar in the shape of an Egyptian “false door,” which ancient Egyptians believed was a path between the worlds of the living and the dead; a limestone funerary sculpture of a seated man holding a bird; and complete and near-complete pottery vessels.
Located on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast and discovered in 1986 during construction work, Marina el-Alamein is thought to be the Greco-Roman port city of Leukaspis, which was built in the second century and thrived until the fourth century. Previous excavations have revealed a thriving coastal settlement, with streets, residential and commercial districts, public buildings, and a harbor.
According to Sherif Fathy, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, plans for the site include a visitor center, electric shuttles, pedestrian walkways, a museum storage facility, and administration buildings. The project is expected to be completed during the first half of next 2027.
