Egypt Unearths 18 Ancient Tombs in Marina El Alamein, Revealing Ptolemaic-Era Artifacts

An Egyptian archaeological mission has discovered 18 ancient tombs, including sarcophagi and gold funerary artifacts, at the Marina El Alamein site, a coastal city believed to be the ancient Leukaspis, according to the Supreme Council of Antiquities. The findings, announced by Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy, offer new insights into the city’s role as a Mediterranean cultural crossroads during the Hellenistic and Roman periods.

Discovery Expands Ancient Settlement Boundaries

The latest excavations at Marina El Alamein, located 100 kilometers west of Alexandria, revealed architectural remains that extend the known boundaries of the ancient settlement. Since its discovery in 1986, 44 tombs have been identified, solidifying the site’s status as one of the Mediterranean’s most significant archaeological locations. Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, stated the site’s development project includes a visitor center, pedestrian routes, and an open-air theater, with completion expected during the first half of next year.

Artifacts Highlight Cultural Diversity and Religious Practices

Archaeologists recovered 24 gold funerary pieces, a 2.5-meter granite sarcophagus with its original lid sealed, and a limestone offering altar shaped like the ancient Egyptian “false door.” The discovery of an unfinished marble statue believed to depict Aphrodite and a plaster sphinx fragment underscores the blending of Egyptian, Hellenistic, and Roman influences. Mohamed Abdel Badie, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, noted the site’s surface burials reflect social diversity, while a repurposed water well illustrates continued Egyptian funerary traditions during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods.

Golden Tongue Ritual and Eye of Horus Symbol

Among the most notable finds were gold pieces placed in the mouths of the deceased as part of the “golden tongue” funerary ritual, a practice linked to beliefs in the afterlife. One artifact featured the Eye of Horus, a symbol of protection in ancient Egyptian mythology. Hisham Hussein, Head of the Central Administration for Lower Egypt Antiquities, emphasized the significance of these items in understanding funerary customs across civilizations.

Future Plans for Cultural Tourism

The Egyptian government aims to transform Marina El Alamein into a cultural tourism hub, complementing the North Coast’s beach resorts. Fathy described the discovery as an important scientific and archaeological achievement that deepens understanding of the city’s historical role. The site, first identified during construction work in 1986, has revealed a well-preserved urban layout, including a harbor, commercial districts, and cemeteries that reflect Mediterranean Egypt’s cultural mosaic.