Unveiling the Secrets of Egypt’s Past: 18th-Century Residential Complex and Coptic Cemetery Discovered
In a groundbreaking archaeological find, a joint Franco-Egyptian mission has unearthed an 18th-century residential complex and an underground Coptic cemetery at the site of the Sheikh al-Arab Hammam in Qena, located between Luxor and Hurghada. The discovery sheds new light on the region’s rich history, providing valuable insights into the lives of its ancient inhabitants.
Excavation and Discovery
According to Hisham al-Laithi of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, very little was known about the area until now. The excavations have brought to light six houses with their annexes, situated near an industrial area. Initial analyses indicate that some of these houses were covered with mud-brick domes, while the roofs of others were covered with palm trunks. The mission also found traces of white plaster in some rooms, highlighting the intricate details of the ancient structures.
The discovery of a limestone sarcophagus lid dating back to the Byzantine period has raised questions about its precise location, as it was found being used as a paving slab in front of one of the entrances to the discovered city. Archaeological discoveries have also attested to the richness of the site, with findings including bronze coins, pottery fragments, children’s toys, jewelry, textiles, and other remains of daily life.
Uncovering the Coptic Necropolis
A geophysical survey of the site, conducted in collaboration with the Remote Sensing and Space Sciences Authority, has guided the current excavation campaign, bringing to light part of a Coptic necropolis located under the city. The necropolis contains several tombs dating back to the Byzantine period, with some burials directly in the ground and others delimited with mud-brick walls.
Numerous fragments of pottery, shrouds, and fragments of tunics made for the deceased, woven in Coptic style, have been found. Many of these tunics are decorated with floral, geometric, and animal motifs, as well as crosses, symbols, and Coptic letters. A copper seal used to decorate cakes was also discovered, providing a glimpse into the funerary practices and traditions of the time.
Significance and Future Studies
The discovery makes an important scientific contribution to the study of land use models, funerary practices, and industrial activities in Upper Egypt, shedding light on the concentration of the population and the geographical development of the region from the Byzantine to the Islamic period. The remains of approximately 23 people, including men, women, children, adolescents, and adults, partly mummified, were also found in the cemetery.
Future studies will aim to determine their diet, age, gender, and health status, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the lives of the ancient inhabitants. The site has been registered as ‘Islamic and Coptic antiquity,’ recognizing its significance and importance in the historical and cultural landscape of Egypt.
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