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Deity-inscribed tombstones, sarcophagi unearthed at ancient Egyptian burial site

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Context piece
  • Excavations at Egypt's Tell El Deir archaeological site uncovered about 20 limestone tombstones, sarcophagi, and funerary amulets.
  • The tombstones feature religious symbols and imagery of deities like a griffin, Agathodaemon, and Isis-Thermouthis, indicating Greco-Egyptian influence.
  • The finds suggest Tell El Deir was an integrated funerary center, offering insights into ancient Egyptian burial customs from the Late Period through the Roman era.

Archaeological excavations at the Tell El Deir site in northern Egypt have yielded significant discoveries, including approximately 20 limestone tombstones, several sarcophagi, and a collection of funerary amulets. Announced by Egypt's Tourism and Antiquities Ministry, the finds offer new perspectives on ancient Egyptian funerary practices.

The tombstones are notable for their intricate decorations, featuring religious symbols and imagery of deities such as a griffin, Agathodaemon, and Isis-Thermouthis. The presence of these figures, particularly Agathodaemon, a serpent demon, and Isis-Thermouthis, a fusion of Egyptian and Greek deities, points to a blend of Greek and Roman influences on ancient Egyptian heritage and burial customs. These decorations also assist archaeologists in identifying the social status of the tombstone owners.

opens new horizons for understanding the development of cemeteries in the Nile Delta.

— Dr. Hisham El-LeithySecretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities on the significance of the Tell El Deir discoveries.

Beyond the tombstones, the Egyptian archaeological mission uncovered a variety of other artifacts. These include pottery incense burners, decorated lamps, and funerary amulets, alongside several barrel-shaped anthropoid ceramic coffins. Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, highlighted that these discoveries "open new horizons for understanding the development of cemeteries in the Nile Delta." He emphasized that Tell El Deir functioned as "not merely a burial place, but was an integrated funerary center."

The artifacts unearthed provide extensive insights into ancient Egypt’s funerary and burial customs, spanning from the Late Period (664 BCE to 332 BCE) through the end of the Roman era. This discovery adds to ongoing archaeological work in Egypt, such as the recent unearthing of 18 tombs in the ancient coastal city of Marina El Alamein, which flourished from the Hellenistic period to the Byzantine era.

not merely a burial place, but was an integrated funerary center.

— Dr. Hisham El-LeithyDescribing the comprehensive nature of the Tell El Deir site.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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