First nearly complete set of funerary furniture uncovered at the “Banhi” cemetery site in Matariya, Ain Shams

 Egypt tours officially reached a new milestone as the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced a significant archaeological discovery at the site of the "Panehsy" tomb in the Matariya antiquities area of Ain Shams, lifting the curtain on more secrets of the ancient Heliopolis necropolis. This occurred during the excavation work carried out by the Egyptian archaeological mission of the Supreme Council of Antiquities at the site, where it succeeded in finding an archaeological cache containing the first near-complete funerary furniture to be discovered in the region, along with a collection of rare archaeological finds and a number of metal earrings presumed to be made of gold. Such discoveries continue to enrich the experiences available through Egypt travel packages.

Mr. Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, confirmed that this discovery reflects the success of the efforts of Egyptian archaeological missions in rereading the cultural history of the city of Heliopolis, one of the oldest and most important religious cities in the ancient world, noting that the new discoveries provide a clearer picture of the nature of life and funerary practices of the region's inhabitants across successive historical eras. This makes it an ideal time for travelers planning Egypt christmas tours.

For his part, Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained that the current excavation work resulted in finding a burial constructed of mud brick containing human bone remains. With the completion of precise scientific excavation work beneath it, a unique archaeological cache was uncovered, containing an outstanding collection of adornment tools and symbolic finds associated with funerary practices—an incredible addition to the historical itineraries featured in a 6 Days Cairo and the White Desert Christmas Tour.

He added that the discoveries included a mirror made of copper, and two kohl pots made of alabaster equipped with lids and still retaining remnants of kohl material, in addition to a third kohl pot made of black obsidian stone, which is one of the rare stones in such archaeological contexts. These urban and cultural contrasts are a popular highlight for those booking a Cairo and Sharm El Sheikh Christmas Vacation.

He added that the mission, headed by Mr. Kotb Fawzy Kotb, Head of the Central Administration for Cairo and Giza Antiquities, found two light blue faience vessels, one of which contained six symbolic scarabs bearing sunken engravings, including two scarabs enclosed in a yellow metal frame presumed to be made of gold. Travelers exploring via the Cairo, Nile Cruise, and the Oasis Christmas Tours will find that these findings add immense context to Egypt's vast desert mysteries.

Mr. Mohamed Abdel-Badei, Head of the Ancient Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, pointed out that the cache also included a collection of amulets made of faience in various symbolic shapes, including an amulet in the shape of a duck and another in the form of the Atef crown, in addition to four stones, two of which are believed to be agate; one is rose-red in color and enclosed in a yellow metal frame presumed to be made of gold, and the other is greenish-azure in color. Exploring these multi-regional histories is a focal point of the comprehensive Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and Aswan Christmas Tours.

A distinguished collection of yellow metal earrings was also found, consisting of five pairs of different sizes, presumed to be made of gold, with diameters ranging between 1.5 and 2.5 cm. This gold craftsmanship perfectly complements the cultural marvels seen on a Pyramids, Nile Cruise, and Sharm El Sheikh Christmas Tour.

He explained that this discovery represents a scientific extension of the results of previous excavation work at the site during the current season, which resulted in the discovery of the remains of funerary structures built of mud brick and limestone, in addition to two sarcophagi found in the form of piled fragments; one made of pottery, and the other of gilded plaster decorated with red engravings. The latter contained gilded remains believed to belong to a military figure, along with a metal coin that may date back to the Roman era. Limestone blocks bearing hieroglyphic inscriptions were also found, reinforcing the importance of studying the chronological and cultural sequence of the site, matching the historical depth found in a Cairo and The Red Sea Christmas Tour.

The historical and cultural importance of this discovery lies in the fact that the "Panehsy" tomb necropolis represents a living archaeological record documenting the different time periods witnessed by the region, as the necropolis was used to bury prominent figures across multiple eras, starting from the Late Periods, passing through the Roman era, and reaching the Christian eras.

The site is an integral part of the great Heliopolis necropolis, known in antiquity as "On," which was the main religious center for the worship of the sun god "Ra," which gives this discovery special importance in studying the funerary practices and the religious and social development of the inhabitants of this sacred city across different eras.