US publication Archaeology magazine selected the necropolis discovered near the Aga Khan Mausoleum in western Aswan, dating to the Late and Greco-Roman periods, among the 10 most important archaeological discoveries of 2024.
The magazine described the discovery as an important addition to Aswan’s archaeological history and a major step toward understanding ancient Egyptian civilization during that period.
Supreme Council of Antiquities Secretary-General Mohamed Ismail said the Tourism and Antiquities Ministry announced the discovery in June. The joint Egyptian-Italian mission, led by University of Milan Egyptology professor Patrizia Piacentini, made the finds while working around the Aga Khan Mausoleum.
The mission uncovered previously unknown family tombs from the Late and Greco-Roman periods. Ismail welcomed its selection, noting that it deepens knowledge of the area and confirms Aswan’s importance in ancient Egyptian history.
The magazine highlighted the unusual cemetery’s 10 levels of tombs, reflecting broad social stratification and providing insight into life in Greco-Roman Aswan.
It said the necropolis covers 25 feddans and includes more than 400 tombs containing thousands of men, women and children dating from the second century BC to the second century AD. Finds include figurines and brightly colored cartonnage made from layers of plaster and linen used to cover mummies.
Studies suggest the cemetery served Aswan’s Greco-Roman population. Upper tombs were reserved for wealthy people, including an Egyptian army commander from the second century BC, while lower levels served middle social groups.
Read also: Discovery of 33 family tombs from the Late and Greco-Roman periods in western Aswan.
