Egypt's Tourism and Antiquities Ministry announced the discovery of approximately 20 limestone tombstones, several sarcophagi, and a collection of funerary amulets at the Tell El Deir archaeological site, according to an announcement made two weeks before August 15, 2026.
Egypt announces discovery of limestone tombstones, sarcophagi, and amulets at Tell El Deir site
Egypt's Tourism and Antiquities Ministry announced the discovery of approximately 20 limestone tombstones, several sarcophagi, and a collection of funerary amulets at the Tell El Deir archaeological site, according to an announcement made two weeks before August 15, 2026.
The tombstones' sides and backs are decorated with religious symbols and imagery, including a griffin, Agathodaemon — described as a lesser serpent demon in ancient Graeco-Egyptian religion and classical Greek mythology — and Isis-Thermouthis, a combination of the Egyptian goddess Isis and Renenutet, the Egyptian goddess of grain. The decorations indicate joint Greek and Roman influence on ancient Egyptian funerary practices and, according to the announcement, allow archaeologists to identify the social status of the tombstones' owners.
The Egyptian archaeological mission at the site also uncovered pottery incense burners, decorated lamps, additional funerary amulets, and several barrel-shaped anthropoid ceramic coffins.
Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the discovery 'opens new horizons for understanding the development of cemeteries in the Nile Delta' and described Tell El Deir as 'not merely a burial place, but was an integrated funerary center.' He said the finds provide insight into ancient Egypt's funerary and burial customs from the Late Period, dated 664 BCE to 332 BCE, through the end of the Roman era.
Separately, in early July 2026, 18 tombs and numerous artifacts were uncovered during excavations ahead of construction of a visitor's center at Egypt's ancient coastal city of Marina El Alamein, located approximately 100 kilometers west of Alexandria on Egypt's northwestern coast. Mohamed Abdel Badie, head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said 11 of the 18 tombs are hypogea — carved entirely into rock — while the remaining seven are limestone aboveground structures. Some tomb entrances were sealed by stone slabs described as unopened since ancient times.
Eman Abdel Khalek, leader of the archaeological mission at Marina El Alamein, said a 2.5-meter-long granite sarcophagus with its original lid still in place was also uncovered. Skeletal remains found inside are currently being studied. Marina El Alamein, believed to be the city of Leukaspis mentioned by the Greek geographer Strabo, was discovered in 1986 during construction work and has since been described as one of the best preserved ancient coastal cities in Egypt. The site flourished between the Hellenistic period and the Byzantine era.
- The source does not state the exact date on which the Tell El Deir discovery was announced by the ministry.
- The source does not state how many sarcophagi were found at Tell El Deir.
- The source does not identify which institution or individuals led the Egyptian archaeological mission at Tell El Deir.
- The source does not state the current or planned disposition of the artifacts or skeletal remains from either site.
- The source does not state the total number of artifacts recovered from the Marina El Alamein excavations beyond the 18 tombs and the granite sarcophagus.
- The source does not indicate whether the Tell El Deir tombstones or sarcophagi had been previously opened or disturbed.
Read the original at The Jerusalem Post