Gold Jewelry from Egypt’s Last Dynasty Discovered in 63 Tombs

A significant archaeological find has emerged from Egypt’s Nile Delta, where experts uncovered a wealth of artifacts among 63 tombs that date back to the last period of ancient Egyptian civilization. The discovery was confirmed by an official from the country’s antiquities authority.

This remarkable collection includes gold jewelry and various decorative items from Egypt’s Late and Ptolemaic periods. Neveine el-Arif, spokesperson for the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, mentioned that some of these exquisite artifacts may be showcased in one of Egypt’s museums following the ongoing restoration and classification process.

The tombs were discovered at the Tell al-Deir necropolis in Damietta City, which falls within the Damietta governorate. This finding is the result of an archaeological mission conducted in collaboration with the Supreme Council of Antiquities. The excavation team has identified these mud-brick tombs as belonging to affluent ancient Egyptians, with origins tracing back approximately 2,500 years.

Experts believe that the burial site was reserved for individuals of great wealth and societal importance during ancient times. Notably, the remains found within these tombs were interred alongside gold foil figures, which were thought to serve the deceased in the afterlife, reflecting the beliefs of that era.

In addition to jewelry, the site also yielded stunning statues, funerary amulets, and a unique pottery vessel that housed 38 bronze coins, all indicative of the Ptolemaic period’s craftsmanship and artistry.

The Ptolemaic dynasty, which marked Egypt’s final ruling family before its annexation into the Roman Empire, was established in 305 B.C. Following Alexander the Great’s conquest of Egypt in 332 B.C., one of his generals, Ptolemy, assumed power as Ptolemy I. The dynasty continued through his descendants, culminating with the famous queen Cleopatra.

Egypt has gradually been showcasing artifacts from the Ptolemaic period, with a significant exhibition opening at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo in 2018. This exhibition highlighted around 300 artifacts, providing insights into the culture and history of this influential period in ancient Egypt.

In recent months, Egypt’s antiquities authorities have also unveiled additional archaeological treasures. In May, they announced the discovery of ancient workshops and tombs at a Pharaonic necropolis located just outside Cairo. Prior to this, a remarkable ancient tomb was found in Luxor, a city well-known for its extensive historical treasures originating from the time of the pharaohs.

This recent discovery of tombs and artifacts further enhances Egypt’s reputation as a treasure trove of ancient history, attracting interest from scholars and tourists alike. The ongoing exploration and excavation efforts continue to unveil the rich tapestry of ancient Egyptian civilization and its intricate burial practices.