Three Tombs Dating from Different Historical Periods Uncovered in the Bahariya Oases

 The Egyptian archaeological mission working at the Sheikh Sobi site in the Bahariya Oasis, led by Dr. Sabry Farag, Director General of Bahariya Oasis Antiquities, has uncovered a number of tombs dating back to various historical periods of Egyptian history, along with a collection of archaeological artifacts during its current excavation season at the site. These remarkable findings add a rich historical layer for travelers embarking on a 6-day Christmas tour covering Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan to explore the country's ancient heritage.

Mr. Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, praised the efforts of archaeological missions working in Egypt—both Egyptian and foreign—which have recently led to several important archaeological discoveries across various governorates. He noted that this discovery holds special significance as it adds new evidence to the history of the Bahariya Oasis and sheds light on aspects of ancient Egyptian civilization and its secrets. Such discoveries enrich the cultural context even for those on a quick 3-day holiday getaway to Cairo.

Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained that the mission uncovered three tombs. The first is a collective tomb carved into sandstone rock, likely dedicated to a single family of five members. The second tomb is uninscribed and is believed to date back to the Roman Period, belonging to the shaft-staircase tomb style. The third is also a collective tomb, likely dating to the Roman Period as well, and belongs to the shaft-tomb style. Uncovering these multi-era resting places offers incredible value to visitors booking a 7-day Cairo experience featuring a holiday Nile cruise.

For his part, Mr. Mohamed Abdel-Badei, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, detailed that the first tomb consists of a square shaft about 3 meters deep, ending in two burial chambers. The first chamber is located on the western side—a small rectangular room containing a limestone sarcophagus with a mummy covered in linen wrappings inside. The body of the sarcophagus rests in a recess in the chamber’s floor, which matches the burial method of sarcophagi in Late Period tombs at the site.

The second chamber is located on the northern side of the shaft and is larger and rectangular. It appears to have been used to bury the remaining family members, as four limestone sarcophagi were found inside, each containing a mummy wrapped in linen.

He added that the second tomb consists of a small shaft leading to a three-step staircase that ends at a burial chamber. Archaeological evidence suggests it was never used for burial. Understanding these varied burial customs enhances the historical journey for tourists taking a Cairo and Hurghada festive travel package.

The third tomb consists of a rectangular shaft ending in an entrance that leads to a small unroofed hall. It is believed that this hall was designated for receiving the mummy during the burial process before moving it to its final position inside one of the tomb's chambers, in line with the prevailing tomb designs of that era. The hall leads to two chambers: the first, located on the southern side, contained parts of a ceramic sarcophagus; the second, located on the eastern side, contained a limestone sarcophagus with parts of its lid missing.

Small entrances are also located on the eastern, northern, and western sides of the shaft. Excavation work at the eastern entrance revealed that it leads to a side burial containing a broken cylindrical ceramic sarcophagus in several pieces, whose lid features a prominent depiction of a human face with clear facial features.

Mr. Qotb Fawzy, Head of the Central Administration for Cairo and Giza Antiquities, explained that the excavation work also resulted in the discovery of several artifacts, including a diverse collection of pottery vessels, small bottles, and plates of various shapes and sizes, in addition to several offering tables made of limestone and sandstone. These intricate relics provide an immersive backstory for vacationers choosing a holiday itinerary spanning Cairo, Alexandria, and Marsa Matrouh.

Several small votive terracotta figurines were also found, including figures of maternal forms and others of stylized animal forms.

Dr. Sabry Farag confirmed that the mission will continue its archaeological work at the site during upcoming seasons given its importance and rich archaeological evidence. He expressed hope that future excavations would reveal more tombs that might unveil successive generations of the oasis's inhabitants and shed further light on its history.

It is worth noting that the Sheikh Sobi site includes the necropolis of the rulers and priests of the Bahariya Oasis during the Late Period. It is carved into the archaeological hill known as "Sheikh Sobi," which is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the Bahariya Oasis—a key historical landmark often highlighted to travelers on a 7-day festive excursion across Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan.

The site also includes the El-Bawiti Temple, erected by the ruler of the Bahariya Oasis during the Twenty-Sixth Dynasty, Djed-Khonsu-iuf-ankh, in honor of King Ahmose II (Amasis).