The Egyptian archaeological mission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) working at the Tell Quweisna necropolis in Menoufia Governorate has uncovered a new funerary unit alongside a collection of significant archaeological finds. The discoveries throw light on the funerary practices as well as cultural and commercial interactions during the Late and Greco-Roman periods, as part of ongoing scientific excavations at the site.
Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, stated that this discovery highlights the scientific and archaeological importance of the Tell Quweisna necropolis as one of the most vital private cemeteries in the central Delta region. He noted that its value lies not only in the diversity of the uncovered artifacts, but also in the new insights provided regarding the funerary practices and socio-economic dynamics of the era, helping reconstruct a more comprehensive picture of the religious and economic life of the region’s inhabitants.
For his part, Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained that the newly uncovered funerary unit features an organized architectural plan consisting of a main hall connected to several rooms with vaulted entrances. Archaeological evidence indicates these rooms were originally topped with vaulted ceilings; their standing entrances now allow researchers to visualize the unit's original layout.
Dr. El-Leithy added that excavations revealed several human burials in Osiris-like positions in varying states of preservation, alongside a distinguished set of artifacts linked to funerary rituals—marking an important scientific contribution to understanding the prevailing religious beliefs and burial methods of the era. He noted that inside one room, the mission discovered two large groups totaling 560 faience Ushabti figurines of various shapes and sizes in traditional Osiride form, some bearing texts inscribed from the Book of the Dead.
Mohamed Abdel-Badeea, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the SCA, highlighted that the team also uncovered a collection of protective amulets made of semi-precious stones, including the "two fingers" amulet, the Eye of Horus (Wedjat), and the Tyet (Knot of Isis), along with amulets depicting various ancient Egyptian deities—all associated with protection, strength, and rebirth in ancient Egyptian theology. Additionally, a diverse range of pottery was unearthed, including dishes and vessels of varying sizes, an earthenware jar containing residues likely used in mummification or funerary rituals, and two terracotta lamps.
In the same context, Dr. Hisham Hussein, Head of the Central Administration of Lower Egypt Antiquities, noted that large quantities of blue and green faience beads were found, likely belonging to a funerary net or shroud covering one of the burials within the unit.
Furthermore, Nermeen El-Morsi, Head of the Archaeological Mission, explained that excavations revealed imported pottery fragments from the island of Rhodes, including part of a vessel handle bearing its maker's mark. This serves as tangible physical evidence of active trade networks between Egypt and the Mediterranean basin during the Late and Greco-Roman periods, underscoring the site's integration into regional trade systems.
El-Morsi added that preliminary excavation and documentation recorded several unusual funerary phenomena at the Quweisna necropolis that are currently under scientific study. Most notably, pottery dishes were found placed beneath the arms of a burial in the Osirian position, with another dish set between the thighs. Some of these vessels contained residue likely linked to funerary rituals, representing a valuable addition to the study of regional burial rites.
First discovered in 1991, the Tell Quweisna necropolis is considered one of the most prominent private cemeteries in the central Delta, featuring multiple funerary structures spanning successive historical eras. This makes it a key archaeological site for studying the evolution of burial practices, beliefs, and funerary rituals across ancient Egyptian history.
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