Egyptian archaeologists have uncovered 18 ancient tombs, a granite sarcophagus and dozens of rare burial objects at Marina El Alamein, offering new insight into the city’s role as a cultural crossroads between ancient Egypt and the Mediterranean world.
The discovery was made by an Egyptian archaeological mission working at the ancient city on Egypt’s northwestern Mediterranean coast. Excavations also uncovered surface burials, coffins and a wide range of archaeological objects.
The team also revealed previously unknown sections of the ancient city, including additional architectural remains. With the latest discoveries, the total number of tombs uncovered at Marina El Alamein since the site was first discovered in 1986 has reached 44.
Sealed burials preserve ancient traditions
Mohamed Abdel Badie, head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the cemetery includes 11 rock-cut tombs, known as hypogea, with an average depth of about eight meters (26 feet), along with seven limestone surface tombs.
Several burial chambers remained sealed beneath large stone slabs since ancient times. Archaeologists also uncovered surface burials surrounding the tombs, reflecting the city’s social diversity. The excavation further revealed a water well that was later converted into a burial site, showing that ancient Egyptian funerary traditions continued during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods.
Artifacts reveal cultural exchange
Researchers recovered a large collection of artifacts, including complete and nearly complete pottery vessels, amphorae, oil lamps, plates, limestone altars, stone basins, and architectural elements linked to the tombs.
Dr. Hisham Hussein, head of the Central Administration for Lower Egypt Antiquities, said one of the most significant discoveries was a limestone offering altar with a facade resembling the ancient Egyptian “false door.”
The team also uncovered an unfinished marble statue believed to depict the goddess Aphrodite, a limestone funerary stele showing a seated man holding a bird, and several glass tear bottles used in burial rituals.
The discoveries reflect the blending of Egyptian and Hellenistic artistic and religious traditions that shaped life in Marina El Alamein.
Granite sarcophagus and golden tongues stand out
Dr. Iman Abdel Khalek, head of the archaeological mission, said archaeologists uncovered a 2.5-meter-long (8.2-foot) granite sarcophagus with its original lid still sealed. Human skeletal remains found inside are now undergoing scientific analysis.
Nearby, the team discovered fragments of a plaster sphinx statue, providing further evidence that Egyptian religious and artistic influences remained strong during the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
Another major discovery was a group of 24 gold pieces placed inside the mouths of some of the deceased. Known as “golden tongues,” the objects were linked to beliefs about the afterlife. One piece was crafted in the shape of the “Eye of Horus,” one of the best-known protective symbols in ancient Egyptian belief.
Ancient city linked Egypt and the Mediterranean
Marina El Alamein lies about 100 kilometers (62 miles) west of Alexandria and is widely believed to be the ancient city of Leukaspis, mentioned by the Greek geographer Strabo. The city flourished from the Hellenistic period through the Byzantine era and reached its peak during the first three centuries A.D. as an important commercial and urban center.
Since its discovery in 1986, excavations have revealed one of Egypt’s best-preserved ancient coastal cities. Archaeologists have uncovered a planned street network, homes, public buildings, a harbor, commercial districts, and extensive cemeteries.
Site prepares to welcome visitors
Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, said the discoveries will help researchers better understand the cultural identity of Marina El Alamein’s ancient residents and the city’s role in connecting Egypt with the Mediterranean world.
Dr. Hisham El-Leithy said redevelopment plans include a visitor center, routes for electric vehicles and pedestrians, a museum storage facility, an administrative building and an open-air theater. The project is expected to be completed during the first half of next year, helping transform Marina El Alamein into a major archaeological and cultural tourism destination.
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