A recently discovered archaeological cemetery near the Aga Khan Mausoleum west of Aswan has been selected by Archaeology Magazine as one of the top 10 archaeological discoveries of 2024. This site, dating from the Late Period to the Greco-Roman era, is seen as a significant addition to the historical narrative of Aswan's archaeological importance.
Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, noted that the discovery was announced by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities last June. The joint Egyptian-Italian archaeological mission, led by Dr. Patrizia Piacentini from the University of Milan, made the find during excavations near the mausoleum.
The cemetery comprises several previously unknown family tombs from the Late Period and Greco-Roman era, showcasing a unique type of burial site in Egypt. It features ten levels of tombs that reflect a broad social hierarchy, providing insights into social life in Aswan during this historical period.
Spanning an area of 25 acres, the cemetery includes over 400 tombs, containing the remains of thousands of individuals, including men, women, and children, dating from the 2nd century BCE to the 2nd century CE. Among the artifacts uncovered are small statues, brightly colored cartonnage, and layers of plaster and linen used in mummy wrappings.
Research indicates that this cemetery served as a burial site for Aswan's residents during the Greco-Roman era, with upper tombs reserved for the wealthy, including an Egyptian army commander from the 2nd century BCE, while lower levels catered to the middle class.