The discovery, made during ongoing scientific excavations at the site, includes a newly identified funerary unit, human burials, hundreds of funerary figurines, protective amulets, imported pottery, and rare archaeological evidence that is expected to contribute significantly to the study of life and death in the Nile Delta over two millennia ago.
The discovery underscores the archaeological and scientific importance of Tel Quesna as one of the most significant non-royal cemeteries in the central Nile Delta.
“The value of the find extends beyond the diversity of the unearthed artifacts, providing new evidence that enhances understanding of funerary customs as well as the cultural and economic interactions that shaped the region during the Late and Graeco-Roman periods,” said Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy.
According to Hesham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the SCA, the newly discovered funerary unit features a well-planned architectural layout comprising a central hall connected to several burial chambers through vaulted entrances. Archaeological evidence suggests the chambers were originally covered by vaulted ceilings, while the surviving entrances allow researchers to reconstruct the monument’s original design.
Excavations also uncovered a number of human burials in the traditional Osirian position, preserved to varying degrees, together with an exceptional assemblage of artifacts associated with funerary rituals. These discoveries offer valuable insights into the religious beliefs and burial traditions practiced during the period.
Among the most remarkable finds were 560 faience ushabti figurines discovered inside one of the burial chambers. Produced in various sizes and forms but all depicting the traditional Osirian figure, several of the figurines bear inscriptions derived from the Book of the Dead.
The mission also recovered a rich collection of protective amulets carved from semi-precious stones, including finger amulets, Wedjat (Eye of Horus) amulets, Tyet (Isis Knot) amulets, and representations of ancient Egyptian deities.
According to Mohamed Abdel Badie, Head of the Ancient Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the SCA, these objects symbolized protection, strength, and rebirth in ancient Egyptian religious belief.
The excavations further yielded a variety of pottery vessels, including plates and bowls of different sizes, as well as a ceramic vessel containing residues believed to have been used in mummification or funerary rituals. Two pottery lamps were also uncovered.
The mission also found large quantities of blue and green faience beads that are believed to have formed part of a funerary net or body covering placed over one of the deceased.
Evidence of Egypt’s international connections also emerged from the excavation. Mission director Nermin El-Morsi revealed that archaeologists uncovered imported pottery from the Greek island of Rhodes, including the handle of an amphora stamped with the name of its maker. The find provides tangible evidence of active trade between Egypt and the Mediterranean during the Late and Greco-Roman periods and highlights the site’s role within regional commercial networks.
The excavation also documented several unusual funerary practices that are currently under scientific investigation. Among the most notable was the discovery of pottery plates deliberately placed beneath the arms of an individual buried in the Osirian position, with another vessel positioned between the thighs. Some of the vessels contained traces of substances believed to have been used in funerary rituals, offering rare evidence for understanding burial ceremonies practiced at the site.
Discovered in 1991, the Tell Quesna Necropolis is considered one of the most important non-royal cemeteries in the central Nile Delta. Its numerous funerary units, dating to successive historical periods, make it a key archaeological site for tracing the evolution of burial traditions, religious beliefs, and funerary practices in the Delta throughout ancient Egyptian history.
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