6 September 2025 The Future is the Product of the Past

Archaeologists, First-ever Roman-era Tombs Dug Directly into the Rock Uncovered in Al Bahnasa, Egypt

Spanish archaeologists made a ground-breaking discovery of rock-hewn Ptolemaic and Roman tombs, mummies, coffins, golden masks, and terracotta statues in the historic city of Al Bahnasa in the Minya governorate.

The archaeological excavations were led by Dr. Mayte Mascorro and Dr Esther Pons Melado from the University of Barcelona and the Ancient Near East Institute.

The Supreme Council of Antiquities’ Secretary-General, Dr. Mustafa Waziri, explained that the discovered Roman-era tombs were located in the eastern part of the Upper Cemetery of El-Bahnasa. These tombs feature a new burial style, directly excavated into the natural rock below the ground.

Photo: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt

“The new discovery is shedding more light on the rich history of the region, as the team uncovered a series of rock-cut tombs dating back to both the Ptolemaic [305-30 BC] and Roman [30 BC-641 AD] periods, showcasing unique burial practices and artistic expressions of the time,” said Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) Mostafa Waziri.

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.

One of the gold tongues found in the mummies. Photo: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt

Terracotta figurines representing goddesses such as Isis and Aphrodite with floral crowns were also found for the first time in El-Bahnasa. This suggests that the area still holds many secrets about the funeral rituals of different historical periods.

The excavation also revealed Roman-era mummies, some of which were adorned with gilded and colored funeral masks. Inside the mouths of two mummies, golden tongues were discovered, a known funeral practice from the Roman era in El-Bahnasa to preserve the deceased’s ability to speak.

Photo: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt

“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.

The mission will continue working at the site in future campaigns to reveal more secrets of Al Bahnasa.

Cover Photo: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt

Related Articles

1,500-Year-Old Sasanian Ossuary Inscription Discovered at Naqsh-e Rostam, Iran

13 August 2025

13 August 2025

Archaeologists have recently discovered a significant funerary inscription associated with an ossuary dating back to the late Sasanian period at...

Purdue Professor Documents 53 Biblical Figures Confirmed by Archaeology

5 September 2025

5 September 2025

For centuries, debates have raged over whether the Bible is history, myth, or something in between. Now, significant research by...

The Nightmare of the Roman Soldiers “Carnyx”

9 July 2023

9 July 2023

The Carnyx was a brass musical instrument used as a psychological weapon of war by the ancient Celts between 300...

Archaeologists Discovered 8th-century BC Settlement in Uzbekistan

25 June 2024

25 June 2024

A team of Chinese and Uzbek archaeologists discovered an ancient settlement dating back to the 8th century BC in Uzbekistan,...

New Archaeological Discoveries may Confirm What is Written in the Bible

22 March 2021

22 March 2021

The importance of what is written in the scriptures in the development of archeology is really great. It is possible...

The first settlement of the Cimmerians in Anatolia may be Büklükale

7 June 2022

7 June 2022

Archaeologists estimated that the first settlement in Anatolia of the Cimmerians, who left Southern Ukraine before Christ (about 8th century...

Found Home of the Legendary Viking Woman Who Crossed the Atlantic 500 Years Before Columbus

11 March 2021

11 March 2021

Archaeologists in Iceland recently excavated a farm believed to belong to the legendary Viking woman Gudrid Torbjörnsdottir. She is believed...

The first ivory work of art recovered from the World Heritage cave Hohle Fels was believed to be a horse – until archaeologists made a new discovery-

30 July 2023

30 July 2023

For more than 20 years, the first ivory work of art recovered from the World Heritage cave Hohle Fels was...

Rare Scandinavian Chain Unearthed by Archaeologists in Novorzhev District, Russia

14 August 2025

14 August 2025

Archaeologists have discovered a remarkably well-preserved Scandinavian-style chain during excavations in the southeastern part of the Gorozhane settlement in the...

Possible Location of Medieval Knight Zbylut’s Manor Identified Alongside Discovery of Unknown Burial Crypts

26 April 2025

26 April 2025

In a remarkable archaeological find, researchers have uncovered previously unknown burial crypts within the Gothic Church of St. James the...

A Mikveh or Jewish ritual bath discovered in basement of former strip club in Poland

24 August 2023

24 August 2023

Marian Zwolski, a Chmielnik businessman, bought a former nightclub that had been closed for 15 years a few years ago....

Nearly 1,000-year-old Native American canoe recovered from Lake Waccamaw

18 April 2023

18 April 2023

A 1,000-year-old Waccamaw Indian dug canoe was retrieved from Lake Waccamaw near Wilmington, North Carolina after it was discovered by...

An unknown human group is revealed in a 7,200-year-old skeleton discovered in Indonesia

27 August 2021

27 August 2021

According to a study released this week, archaeologists uncovered the bones of a 7,200-year-old skeleton from a female hunter-gatherer in...

A rare Saint George seal was found during excavations near Suzdal

27 June 2023

27 June 2023

The archaeological survey of the Suzdal Opole, initiated by the Institute of Archeology of the Russian Academy of Sciences more...

Are There Stone Age Megastructures on the Baltic Sea Floor?

11 June 2025

11 June 2025

The western Baltic Sea may conceal far more prehistoric cultural heritage than previously believed — including monumental underwater structures created...