An Egyptian archaeological mission operating at the Sheikh Soby site in the Bahariya Oasis has unearthed three previously unknown tombs spanning the Late and Roman periods, according to an announcement by the Egyptian Tourism and Antiquities Ministry. The discoveries, which include a rock-cut family tomb and two Roman-era structures alongside limestone sarcophagi, pottery, and terracotta votive figurines, offer fresh evidence on the ancient settlement and burial customs of the oasis.
Late Period Family Tomb Found at Sheikh Soby Site
The first discovery is a rock-cut tomb carved into sandstone, dating back to Egypt’s Late Period between 664 BCE and 332 BCE, according to Mohamed Abdel Badi, head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities. Abdel Badi explained that the structure consists of a square-shaped shaft approximately three meters deep that leads to two burial chambers on its western and northern sides. Inside the smaller western chamber, archaeologists found a limestone sarcophagus resting in a floor recess holding a linen-wrapped mummy, matching local Late Period placement methods. The larger northern chamber contained four additional limestone sarcophagi, each housing a linen-wrapped mummy belonging to a five-member family unit.
Roman-Period Staircase and Shaft Tombs Uncovered
Two additional tombs discovered at the Bahariya Oasis site date to the Roman period, according to ministry officials. The second structure is an undecorated, staircase-style tomb consisting of a small tunnel leading to a three-step staircase and a burial chamber, though current evidence indicates it was never actually used for a burial, as noted by Abdel Badi. The third structure is a shaft-style tomb featuring a tunnel that opens into a small, roofless hall used as a receiving room for mummies prior to final placement, according to common Roman burial practices described by the ministry. This hall breaks off into southern and eastern chambers; excavations revealed ceramic coffin fragments in the southern room and a partial limestone sarcophagus in the eastern room. Four entries along the tunnel’s sides also yielded a side burial with a broken, cylindrical ceramic coffin whose lid featured a raised human face with defined features.
Artifacts and Future Excavation Plans at Bahariya Oasis
Alongside the architectural finds, the mission recovered a collection of pottery vessels, small bottles, plates, limestone and sandstone offering tables, and small terracotta votive statues depicting maternal figures and stylized animal forms, according to Professor Qutb Fawzi, head of the Central Administration of Cairo and Giza Antiquities. Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy praised the ongoing work, stating that the discoveries shed light on ancient Egyptian civilization. Dr. Sabri Farag, director general of antiquities at the Bahariya Oasis and head of the mission, confirmed that excavations will continue in future seasons to uncover more tombs and clarify the site’s ongoing settlement history. The Sheikh Soby site sits near a necropolis containing tombs of Bahariya rulers and priests, as well as the Temple of El-Bawiti, built during the 26th Dynasty by an oasis ruler in honor of Pharaoh Ahmose II, who reigned from 570 BCE to 526 BCE.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical periods do the newly discovered tombs represent?
The three tombs date to the Late Period of Egypt (664–332 BCE) and the subsequent Roman period, according to the Egyptian Tourism and Antiquities Ministry.
Where are the tombs located?
The discoveries were made at the Sheikh Soby archaeological site within the Bahariya Oasis, an area known for housing the Temple of El-Bawiti and a necropolis for local rulers and priests.
What artifacts were recovered from the excavation?
Archaeologists recovered limestone sarcophagi, linen-wrapped mummies, pottery vessels, plates, limestone and sandstone offering tables, and terracotta votive figurines depicting maternal figures and animals.
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