18 Ancient Tombs Unearthed at Marina El Alamein Archaeological Site

An Egyptian archaeological mission has uncovered 18 ancient tombs at the Marina El Alamein archaeological site on the northwestern Mediterranean coast, alongside a sealed granite sarcophagus, surface burials and a collection of gold funerary artefacts.

The discovery brings the total number of tombs identified at the site since excavations began in 1986 to 44. Archaeologists believe the settlement corresponds to the ancient city of Leukaspis, mentioned by the Greek geographer Strabo.

The newly uncovered cemetery includes seven above-ground limestone tombs and 11 rock-cut burial chambers, some reaching depths of around eight metres. Several were found with their original entrance seals still intact.

Among the most notable finds were 24 gold funerary objects placed inside the mouths of some of the deceased as part of the ancient "golden tongue" burial ritual, which was believed to help the dead speak in the afterlife. One of the pieces was crafted in the shape of the Eye of Horus.

Excavations also revealed a sealed granite sarcophagus measuring approximately 2.5 metres in length containing human skeletal remains, as well as an unfinished marble statue of Aphrodite, fragments of a plaster sphinx, pottery vessels, amphorae and limestone offering altars.

According to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, work is continuing to prepare Marina El Alamein as a cultural tourism destination, with plans to open the site to visitors during the first half of next year. The development includes a visitor centre, pedestrian and electric vehicle routes, an administrative building, an open-air theatre and museum storage facilities.

Located around 100 kilometres west of Alexandria, Marina El Alamein flourished between the Hellenistic and Byzantine periods, serving as an important settlement along the Mediterranean coast.