Subscribe now for full access and no adverts
A joint Egyptian–Italian archaeological mission (University of Milan) has discovered more rock-cut Graeco-Roman tombs in the necropolis surrounding the Aga Khan Mausoleum on Aswan’s West Bank (for previous finds, see AE 144). The most impressive tomb to be found so far (no.38) is two metres below ground, accessed by a stone staircase flanked by mud brick benches for funerary offerings. The tomb owner was a high-ranking official called Ka-Mesiu, who was buried in a large limestone sarcophagus placed on a rock-carved platform. The lid of the sarcophagus has finely carved and painted details of a face with a decorative wig. Two columns of hieroglyphic text give the name and titles of the deceased, and offer prayers to local deities. Several later burials were found in the tomb, including those of children. The remains will undergo CT scans and biological analysis to learn more about their health while alive and causes of death.
Text: Sarah Griffiths / All images: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
