This article is from Ancient Egypt issue 145
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Two Roman Period rock-cut catacombs have been discovered by an Egyptian mission excavating at the site of Zawyet Umm el-Rakham, west of Marsa Matruh (about 300 km west of Alexandria). The tombs are approached through a stairway leading to a hall, a burial chamber with a vaulted ceiling, and a false door flanked by two carved Doric columns. The tombs contained a total of 29 burial niches carved into the walls, some of which contained funerary goods including glass vessels, inscribed offering tables, and small statues. The team discovered a nearby Roman bathhouse as well, with seating areas, bathing rooms, and a water storage and drainage system.
Text: Sarah Griffiths / All images: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, unless otherwise stated
