Egypt Uncovers 18 Ancient Tombs at Marina El Alamein Site
An Egyptian archaeological mission has discovered 18 ancient tombs and a collection of sarcophagi at the Marina El Alamein Archaeological Site on the northwestern Mediterranean coast. The find, which includes rock-cut hypogea and surface burials, increases the total number of tombs identified at the site to 44 since excavations began in 1986, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
What was found in the Marina El Alamein tombs?
The newly discovered cemetery consists of 11 rock-cut hypogea, which average eight meters in depth, and seven above-ground limestone tombs, according to Mohamed Abdel Badie, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities. Abdel Badie noted that several burial chambers remained sealed since antiquity.
Archaeologists recovered 24 gold funerary pieces placed in the mouths of the deceased. Mission officials identified this as the “golden tongue” ritual, a practice tied to afterlife beliefs of the period. One piece was crafted as the Eye of Horus, a traditional Egyptian symbol of protection.
Other recovered artifacts include:
- A 2.5-meter granite sarcophagus with a sealed lid containing human skeletal remains.
- An unfinished marble statue believed to depict the goddess Aphrodite.
- A limestone funerary stele showing a seated man holding a bird.
- Glass tear bottles, pottery vessels, amphorae, and oil lamps.
- Fragments of a plaster sphinx statue.
Hisham Hussein, Head of the Central Administration for Lower Egypt Antiquities, highlighted a limestone offering altar carved as a “false door,” a signature element of ancient Egyptian funerary architecture.
How does this discovery change the understanding of the city?
The finds provide evidence of the continued influence of Egyptian religious and artistic traditions during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Mission director Iman Abdel Khalek noted that the presence of the sphinx fragments and the “false door” altar demonstrates a blend of cultural identities. Additionally, the discovery of a water well repurposed for burials suggests evolving funerary practices over time.
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy stated the discovery is a scientific achievement that clarifies the city’s role as a link between Egypt and the wider Mediterranean. The latest excavations also uncovered architectural remains that expand the known boundaries of the settlement.
Marina El Alamein, located approximately 100 kilometers west of Alexandria, is widely identified as the ancient city of Leukaspis mentioned by the Greek geographer Strabo. The city reached its peak during the first three centuries AD and featured a planned street network, harbor, and commercial districts.
When will the site open to the public?
The Egyptian government is developing the site into a cultural tourism destination to complement the beach tourism of the North Coast. Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the development project includes a visitor center, a museum storage facility, an administrative building, an open-air theatre, and dedicated pedestrian and electric vehicle routes.
According to El-Leithy, the project is scheduled for completion during the first half of next year.
