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Egyptian Archaeological Mission Unearths Roman Pottery Coffins in Damietta


Sun 30 Dec 2018 | 03:21 PM
Norhan Mahmoud

By: Ali Abu-Dahsish 

CAIRO, Dec. 30 (SEE)- An Egyptian Archaeological Mission affiliated by the Ministry of Antiquities that excavates at ‘Tal El-Deir’ site in Damietta announced the discovery of a collection of red cylindrical pottery coffins that date back to the Roman era.

Dr. Mustafa El-Waziri, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said that a number of the unearthed coffins depict apparent facial features of mouth and nose, whilst others have lines and geometrical engravings. The coffins also embrace remains of white carton burial materials that were placed on parts of the deceased body after enshrouding him/her with linen.

On her part, Nadia Khader, head of the Central Department of Antiquities in Deir El-Bahary, noted that the mission found various remains of pottery pots and more than 700 amulets of various shapes and materials, some were in the form of Pharaonic Gods Isis, Horus and Taort in addition to heart shaped ones. 

Also a collection of different sized cats, golden sheets and five golden rings, three of them were small and topped with grapes cluster the symbol of Greek God Dionysius and Roman God Bacchus of the other world, theatre and wine. Another rings were topped by dolphins that was linked to Sea God Poseidon.

Reda Abu-ElMaati, the General Director of Excavations and Missions in Damietta, added that this season’s excavations are to complete previous ones in which remains of a 26th dynasty necropolis was unearthed, specifically in the time of Kings Psamtik II and Nefr-Ayb-Ra. 

The Director of Damietta Antiquities Sami Eid declared that the cemetery contains many stone coffins, amulets and two Ochapati statues that has engravings of King Psamtik II’s name, which were transferred to the Grand Egyptian Museum.