The discovery includes golden tongues and nails belonging to mummies, intricate amulets, and vibrant ritual scenes never before seen in the area.

The mission also uncovered tombs adorned with colourful inscriptions. Inside were mummies, skeletal remains, coffins, and a treasure trove of artefacts.

"These findings provide new insights into the religious practices and funerary traditions of the Ptolemaic era in Al-Bahnasa," said Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA). He highlighted the discovery's historical importance, including ritual texts and depictions of ancient Egyptian deities appearing in Al-Bahnasa for the first time.

He added that among the most remarkable discoveries is a collection of 13 golden tongues and nails found within human remains from the Ptolemaic period.

Hassan Ibrahim Amer, a professor at Cairo University's Faculty of Archaeology and director of the excavation mission, reported that the team uncovered a heart scarab in its original position within a mummy.

The findings also include 29 amulets featuring the Djed pillar, alongside scarabs and amulets representing deities such as Horus, Thoth, and Isis. Some amulets intriguingly combine these deities into unique configurations.

Esther Pons Mellado, co-leader of the Spanish team, described the discovery of a rectangular stone burial shaft leading to a main hall and three chambers. "The chambers were filled with dozens of mummies, carefully arranged side by side, indicating communal burials," she said.

Another set of chambers was found in an adjacent shaft, one of which featured stunning inscriptions and artwork. These depicted the tomb owner, "Wen-Nefer," and his family in the presence of deities such as Anubis, Osiris, Atum, Horus, and Thoth. The ceiling was decorated with a striking portrayal of the sky goddess Nut, surrounded by stars and sacred boats carrying deities, including Khepri, Ra, and Atum.

Maite Mascourt, co-leader of the Spanish team, noted the discovery of a thin, gleaming gold layer on the face of a mummy embalmed by the deity Anubis. She also highlighted similar golden layers adorning depictions of Osiris, Isis, and Nephthys, standing before and behind the deceased.

"These vibrant scenes offer an unprecedented glimpse into the region's ancient funerary art," Mascourt said.

The chamber also contained four limestone sarcophagi, further emphasising the site's richness.

Previous excavations had uncovered tombs from the Saite, Greek, and Roman periods, as well as the Roman Basilica Church and the Osirion Temple.

Mascourt affirmed the mission's commitment to continuing its work in Al-Bahnasa and uncovering more secrets within this extraordinary site.