Greek-Roman Tombs with Hieroglyphic Inscriptions Discovered Near Aga Khan Mausoleum in Aswan

In a significant archaeological breakthrough, a joint Egyptian-Italian mission has unearthed a series of rock-cut tombs dating back to the Greek and Roman periods near the Aga Khan Mausoleum on Aswan’s western bank. The discovery, made through a collaboration between Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities and the University of Milan, adds to the growing list of remarkable finds in the region.

The newly discovered tombs, carved directly into the rock, contain well-preserved hieroglyphic inscriptions that shed light on ancient funerary practices and religious symbolism. Among the most notable findings this season is Tomb No. 38, distinguished by its exceptional architectural design and structural condition.

Located more than two meters underground, the tomb is accessed via a nine-step stone staircase flanked by mudbrick platforms once used for placing funerary offerings. Inside, archaeologists uncovered a nearly two-meter-tall limestone sarcophagus resting atop a platform hewn from the rock itself. The sarcophagus features a human-shaped lid with distinct facial features, a stylized wig, and intricate decorative elements.

Two vertical columns of hieroglyphic text on the sarcophagus record prayers to local deities of Aswan and identify the tomb’s owner as “Ka-Mesiu,” a high-ranking official of his time. The inscriptions also include names of his family members. Several mummies were also found within the tomb, including those of children.

Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy praised the discovery as a significant addition to Aswan’s cultural heritage, highlighting the richness and diversity of ancient Egyptian civilization across different historical periods. He emphasized the importance of international academic collaboration in supporting archaeological research and expanding our understanding of ancient societies.

Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, noted that the cemetery’s continued use by multiple social classes demonstrates the area’s long-standing funerary significance. He added that the hieroglyphic texts and burial artifacts will offer valuable material for Egyptologists studying the religious and social customs of the later periods of ancient Egypt.

Khaled also announced that the newly discovered mummies, including those of children, will undergo CT scans and biological analysis during the upcoming autumn season. These examinations aim to uncover further details about the individuals’ identities, lifestyles, and causes of death.

In previous excavation seasons, the mission uncovered several funerary platforms and rock-hewn tombs in the nearby Sidi Othman mountain area. These tombs, characterized by distinctive architectural styles, reflect how ancient communities adapted to the natural landscape in shaping their burial practices.

Led by Dr. Patrizia Piacentini, professor of Egyptology at the University of Milan, and Egyptian archaeologist Fahmy El-Amin, Director-General of Aswan Antiquities, the mission has been active at the site since 2019. Their successive discoveries continue to reinforce the archaeological significance of the Aga Khan Mausoleum area, cementing its role as a key cultural and historical center in southern Egypt.