Egypt Uncovers 18 Greek and Roman-Era Tombs West of Alexandria

French newspaper Le Figaro has reported on the discovery of 18 tombs dating back to the Greek and Roman eras at the archaeological site of Marina El-Alamein, about 100 kilometres west of Alexandria in Egypt.

The newspaper said the important archaeological discoveries could support the promotion of Egypt’s cultural heritage and help attract more international visitors and tourists to the country.

In its report, Le Figaro also referred to the discovery of the remains of a Byzantine village in Ain Al-Sabil, dating back to around the fourth century AD.

The report said archaeologists found several burial chambers with sealed stone slabs, as well as a granite sarcophagus measuring about 2.5 metres in length with its lid still intact. This suggests that some of the tombs may have remained closed for nearly 2,000 years.

Inside the tombs, archaeologists found human remains, pottery vessels, jars and other funerary objects.

Among the most notable finds were 24 gold pieces placed in the mouths of several individuals, a funerary practice linked to beliefs about the afterlife.

The site is believed to be connected to the ancient city of Leucaspis, a Mediterranean port that flourished between the Hellenistic and Byzantine periods.

Le Figaro said Egypt is seeking to increase its tourism revenues, noting that major archaeological discoveries are regularly presented as part of efforts to promote the country’s cultural heritage and attract international visitors.

The report added that tourism remains a vital source of foreign currency for Egypt.

Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities had earlier announced the discovery of a group of tombs dating back nearly 2,000 years on the Mediterranean coast, along with the remains of a Byzantine city in the Western Desert.

Recent excavations at Marina El-Alamein, about 100 kilometres west of Alexandria, uncovered 18 tombs from the Greek and Roman periods, according to a ministry statement issued on Saturday.

The latest discovery brings the total number of known tombs at Marina El-Alamein to 44 since the site was first discovered in 1986 during construction work.

In the Dakhla Oasis in Egypt’s Western Desert, archaeologists also uncovered the remains of a Byzantine village in Ain Al-Sabil, dating back to approximately the fourth century AD.