Egypt-Italy Archaeologists Team Finds 33 Ancient Graves And Artifacts In Aswan

One of the ancient graves found in the west of Aswan. (Source: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)

JAKARTA - The Egyptian-Italy archaeological mission managed to find 33 graves while working near Aga Khan's Grave west of Aswan, Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said last Sunday.

The tombs date back to the Ancient End of Egypt period (664-332 BC), the period ofTEN, when the country was ruled by a Greek dynasty (305-30 BC) and the Roman period (30 BC-641 AD).

The tombs, some of which still contain remains of mummies and burial objects, are expected to provide new insight into the history of the Aga Khan area and the disease that befell its ancient inhabitants.

"This discovery adds to a new history for the Aga Khan region," said Secretary General of the Anti-Corruption Highest Council Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, as reported by The National News on June 25.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Antiquities Highest Council Dr. Ayman Ashmawy said preliminary research on the remains of the mummy showed 30 percent to 40 percent of those buried in the tomb died young, ranging from newborns to adolescents.

The tombs vary in architectural design, with some displaying changing entrances preceded by an open yard surrounded by mud brick walls while others are carved directly onto the mountain rock.

Among the discoveries in the tomb were several mummies, including an adult mummy, perhaps a woman, and a child who may have died between the ages of one and two. The two bodies were found to be still side by side in the stone sarkophagus, a mystery that the mission plans to investigate further.

Other discoveries include remnants of color cardboard, clay and stone statues, wooden coffins, and offering tables.

Separately, Purbakala Supervisory Chief Aswan and Nubia as well as Egyptian mission director Dr. Abdel Moneim Saeed explained, the middle class population of Aswan Island is buried in this cemetery, while the top is for the upper class.

State-of-the-art technology, including X-ray analysis, has been used to study the mummies found, uncovering details about facial features, gender, mortality age, and the presence of organic diseases.

Dr. Patrizia Piacentini, professor of Egyptology at the University of Milan and director of missions from Italy noted, early studies in mummies showed some infectious diseases, bone disorders, anemia, malnutrition, chest disease, tuberculosis and osteoporosis.

Some were found dead at an elderly age with severe bone disease.

In the future, the mission is expected to continue its work at the site, with the aim of finding more about the ancient population in the area.