Egyptian archaeologists have uncovered new tombs at the Tell Quesna necropolis in the Nile Delta, where imported pottery from the Greek island of Rhodes (Greek: Ρόδος), hundreds of funerary figurines and unusual burial practices are offering fresh insight into life, death and trade during the Late and Greco-Roman periods.
An Egyptian archaeological mission discovered the Supreme Council of Antiquities in Monufia Governorate. Researchers said the finds reveal how Tell Quesna was connected to Mediterranean trade networks while preserving long-standing Egyptian funerary traditions.
Burial complex reveals ancient tomb design
Sherif Fathy, Egypt’s minister of tourism and antiquities, said the discovery highlights the archaeological importance of Tell Quesna, one of the most significant burial grounds in the central Nile Delta. He said the artifacts provide valuable information about religious beliefs, burial customs and commercial ties during the Late and Greco-Roman periods.
Hisham El-Leithy, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the funerary unit follows a carefully planned architectural layout. It includes a central hall linked to several burial chambers through vaulted entrances. Although the roofs have collapsed, enough of the structure survives for archaeologists to reconstruct the original design.
The excavation also uncovered several human burials in different states of preservation. Many of the deceased were placed in the traditional Osirian position, with their arms crossed over their chests. The pose reflected ancient Egyptian beliefs in resurrection and eternal life.
Ushabti figures and amulets point to afterlife beliefs
Inside one burial chamber, archaeologists found two groups containing 560 faience ushabti figurines. The small funerary statues vary in size but follow the traditional Osirian form.
Several bear inscriptions from the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead, a collection of religious texts believed to guide and protect the deceased in the afterlife.
Mohamed Abdel-Badie, head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the mission also recovered protective amulets made from semiprecious stones. The collection includes a finger amulet, an Udjat eye, better known as the Eye of Horus, an Isis knot and representations of several Egyptian deities. Ancient Egyptians associated the objects with protection, strength and rebirth after death.
Pottery preserves evidence of funerary rituals
Researchers recovered a large collection of pottery, including plates, vessels and two pottery lamps. One ceramic vessel still contained traces of substances that may have been used during mummification or burial ceremonies.
Hisham Hussein, head of the Central Administration of Lower Egypt Antiquities, said excavators also uncovered large quantities of blue and green faience beads. Archaeologists believe the beads may once have formed part of a funerary net or decorative covering placed over one of the bodies.
The team also documented unusual pottery placements around the deceased. Plates were found beneath the arms of one person buried in the Osirian position, while another plate had been placed between the thighs. Some vessels contained traces of materials that may have been linked to funerary rituals.
Rhodes pottery reveals Mediterranean trade
Nermine El-Morsi, head of the archaeological mission, said the team discovered imported pottery from the Greek island of Rhodes. The finds included part of a vessel handle stamped with the maker’s name.
The object provides direct evidence of active trade between Egypt and the Mediterranean world. It also shows that Tell Quesna was linked to wider regional commercial networks during the Late and Greco-Roman periods.
The presence of imported Greek pottery alongside traditional Egyptian funerary objects reflects the cultural and economic exchanges that shaped the Nile Delta during that era.
Tell Quesna remains key to understanding the Nile Delta
Discovered in 1991, the Tell Quesna necropolis contains funerary structures dating to several historical periods. Researchers consider it one of the most important burial sites in the central Nile Delta.
Ongoing study of the tombs, pottery, human remains, and ritual objects could help explain how burial customs, religious beliefs, and trade connections changed across the region over time.
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