18 Ancient Tombs, Golden Tongues and Granite Sarcophagus Discovered at Marina Alamein
Egyptian archaeologists have uncovered 18 previously unknown tombs, rare funerary treasures, and remarkable evidence of cultural exchange at the ancient city of Marina Alamein on Egypt's Mediterranean coast.
The discoveries were announced by Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities following excavations carried out by an Egyptian archaeological mission at the Marina archaeological site. With these latest finds, the total number of tombs identified at Marina Alamein has increased to 44 since the site was first discovered in 1986.
Among the newly uncovered burials are 11 rock-cut hypogea extending as deep as eight metres below the surface, together with seven limestone-built tombs. Several burial chambers remained sealed beneath large stone slabs, preserving archaeological deposits that had not been disturbed since antiquity.
Archaeologists also documented numerous surface burials surrounding the cemetery, reflecting the city's diverse population during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. One particularly unusual discovery revealed an ancient water well that had later been converted into a burial chamber, demonstrating how older structures continued to be adapted for funerary purposes over time.Image Credit : Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Excavations produced an impressive collection of artefacts, including complete pottery vessels, stone basins, limestone altars, architectural blocks, and funerary objects associated with the cemetery.
One of the excavation's most remarkable finds is a 2.5-metre-long granite sarcophagus discovered with its original lid still sealed in place. Human skeletal remains recovered from inside are currently undergoing scientific examination to learn more about the individual buried within.
Nearby, archaeologists uncovered fragments of a plaster statue depicting Harpocrates, the Egyptian god associated with silence and childhood. The discovery highlights the continued importance of traditional Egyptian religious beliefs alongside Greek and Roman cultural influences.
Another exceptional discovery includes 24 gold funerary amulets known as "golden tongues." These small gold pieces were carefully placed inside the mouths of the deceased, reflecting beliefs that they would allow the dead to speak before the gods in the afterlife. Researchers also recovered a gold Eye of Horus amulet, one of ancient Egypt's best-known protective symbols.
Additional discoveries include a limestone false-door offering altar, an unfinished marble statue believed to represent Aphrodite, a funerary sculpture showing a seated man holding a bird, and several delicate glass tear bottles associated with ancient burial customs.
Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, described the discoveries as an important contribution to understanding Marina Alamein's cultural identity and historical role as a bridge between Egypt and the wider Mediterranean world.
Development work at the archaeological site is continuing ahead of its planned opening to visitors. Future facilities will include a visitor centre, museum storage complex, pedestrian routes, electric shuttle transport, administrative buildings, and an open-air theatre, helping transform Marina Alamein into one of Egypt's leading archaeological tourism destinations.
Located about 100 kilometres west of Alexandria, Marina Alamein is widely identified with the ancient city of Leukaspis mentioned by the Greek geographer Strabo. Flourishing between the Hellenistic and Byzantine periods, the city served as a thriving commercial port that connected Egypt with the Mediterranean world.
The newly discovered tombs and their rich collection of artefacts provide valuable new evidence for understanding burial traditions, religious beliefs, and everyday life in one of Egypt's most important ancient coastal cities, further strengthening Marina Alamein's importance as one of the country's premier archaeological sites.