Excavations at Marina El Alamein, formerly the ancient settlement of Leukaspis, have revealed 18 tombs containing rare amulets and gold objects used in "golden tongue" ceremonies, substantially advancing Mediterranean archaeological knowledge.
Discovery Details
The findings were announced by Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. This latest find brings the total number of tombs identified in the area since 1986, when the site was first discovered, to 44. Archaeologists have found 11 underground complexes carved directly into the rock face and an additional seven above-ground structures built from limestone blocks, several of which were discovered still intact and protected by their original coverings.
Artifacts and Burial Practices
Researchers discovered an extensive collection of artefacts: oil lamps, and perfectly preserved ceramic vessels, basins and small stone altars. Among the most extraordinary finds is a substantial granite sarcophagus, measuring two and a half metres in length, which still contains human remains. Archaeologists discovered 24 delicate gold foils that had been placed in the mouths of the deceased. This exemplifies the ancient ritual of the 'golden tongue', a widespread magical and religious practice during the Hellenistic and Roman periods intended to enable the dead to speak with the deities of the underworld.
Cultural Significance
Traditional Egyptian beliefs were also represented by a gold amulet showing the Eye of Horus. Egyptian Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy stressed that this find underscores the historical significance of Leukaspis as an ancient settlement. The ancient community lies roughly a hundred kilometres from Alexandria. The site functioned as a crucial hub for commercial and cultural exchange between Egypt and the broader Mediterranean world, and today stands as one of the most well-preserved coastal settlements from the classical period in the country.
