17 ancient tombs dating back over 3400 years discovered in Aswan

A team of foreign archaeologists unearthed 12 rock-cut tombs, three crypts, two niches and the skeletal remains of humans and animals at the Gebel el-Silsila Necropolis in Aswan on Wednesday. An assortment of jewelry, amulets and scarabs were also reportedly excavated. The discoveries are believed to date back over 3,400 years.

The Gebel al-Silsila Survey Project’s webpage reported that the group from the University of Lund in Sweden, led by Maria Nilsson and John Ward, found the burials which date back to the reign of the New Kingdom’s Pharaoh Thutmose III (Circa 1479 - 1425 BC) and his successor Pharaoh Amenhotep II (Circa 1427–1401 BC).

Among the discoveries were the remains of adults and children buried in sandstone sarcophagi, coffins made of decorated pottery, painted cartonnage (similar to papier-mâché) and burial shrouds made of textile and organic wrappings.

The archaeologists reported that the accompanying burial gifts include ceramic plates and vessels, amulets (including a figurine of the dwarf deity Bes), necklaces and colored pebbles.

Livestock skeletons, including goats and sheep, were also found together with Nile perch and two nearly-complete crocodiles.

The project’s webpage quotes Nilsson as saying that three different burial styles were documented. There was a large crypt hewn into the rock, a stone-covered shallow grave, an infant buried in a wood coffin and children’s tombs carved into a steep sandstone bank.

According to Nilsson the large number of human remains recovered indicates that the individuals buried at the necropolis were relatively rich, as further indicated by the displays of wealth found within their burial plots. She added that evidence of bone fractures indicates potential work-related injuries and “an extremely labor intensive environment.” However, Nilsson commented that many of the injuries appeared to be “in an advanced stage of healing, suggesting effective medical care.”

In an interview with the Seeker scientific news portal she also said that “very little evidence of malnutrition and infection has been discovered," adding “from these burials we have recovered more than 80 individuals of varying ages.”

The Antiquities Ministry also reported that multiple burials were unearthed within the several of the same chambers or crypts, including the remains of individuals of different ages and genders, indicating that entire families were probably buried there.

Many of the animal remains were also discovered in the same crypt. Nilsson told Seeker: "One possibility is that sheep and goats were used in sacrificial offerings in the necropolis."

She added that the crocodile skeletons found were both missing their skulls, saying "we cannot verify whether these crocs were deliberately placed within the necropolis, or whether they died of natural causes. But to find two in similar circumstances is worthy of further research and analysis."

Sobek, the crocodile god, was revered and worshiped as the chief deity of the community which lived by Gebel el-Silsila.

In coordination with the Antiquities Ministry, the team of archaeologists is reported to be in the process of studying and analyzing their recent discoveries in hopes of better understanding this community.

Apart from the necropolis, Gebel el-Silsila was used as an ancient site for the quarrying of sandstone. Known in ancient Egypt as Kheny or Khenu, it is located around 65 kilometers north of Aswan.

The ancient quarrying town was first rediscovered by foreign archaeologists over 100 years ago, but remained largely forgotten. In 2012, the Gebel el-Silsila Survey Project arrived to further excavate the area.

In May 2015, the same Swedish team of archaeologists discovered the foundations and remains of an ancient temple at Gebel el-Silsila. In December 2015, six statues carved into the earthen rock were excavated within two ancient burial chambers at this site. In March 2016, a total of 42 rock-cut tombs were unearthed here along with a shrine adorned with a winged sun disc.