Major Discovery at the Tomb of Panhesy Reveals Rare Funerary Objects and Possible Gold Jewelry
Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has announced a significant archaeological discovery at the Tomb of Panhesy in the Matariya archaeological area of Ain Shams, shedding new light on the ancient necropolis of Heliopolis. The discovery was made during excavations carried out by the Egyptian archaeological mission of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, which uncovered a cache containing the first near-complete funerary assemblage ever found at the site, along with a collection of rare artifacts and several metal earrings believed to be made of gold.
Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, said the discovery reflects the success of Egyptian archaeological missions in re-examining the history of Heliopolis, one of the oldest and most important religious centers of the ancient world. He noted that the newly uncovered objects provide a clearer picture of daily life and funerary practices among the inhabitants of the region during successive historical periods.
Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained that current excavations revealed a mudbrick burial containing human skeletal remains. Continued scientific excavation beneath the burial led to the discovery of a unique archaeological cache that included a distinguished collection of personal adornments and symbolic objects associated with funerary rituals.
Among the discoveries was a copper mirror, two alabaster kohl containers with lids that still preserve traces of cosmetic material, and a third kohl container made of black obsidian, a stone rarely encountered in similar archaeological contexts.
The mission, led by Qotb Fawzy Qotb, Head of the Central Administration for Cairo and Giza Antiquities, also uncovered two light-blue faience vessels. One vessel contained six symbolic scarabs bearing incised inscriptions, including two scarabs mounted within yellow metal settings that are believed to be gold.
Mohamed Abdel Badie, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, stated that the cache also contained a collection of faience amulets in various symbolic forms, including an amulet shaped as a duck and another depicting the Atef Crown. Four stones were also recovered, two of which are believed to be agate. One is pinkish-red and mounted in a yellow metal setting believed to be gold, while the second is greenish-blue in color.
Archaeologists further uncovered an exceptional group of yellow-colored metal earrings consisting of five pairs in varying sizes. The earrings, believed to be made of gold, range in diameter from approximately 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters.
Abdel Badie noted that the discovery builds upon results from earlier excavations at the site during the current season. Previous work revealed the remains of funerary structures built of mudbrick and limestone, as well as two coffins discovered in fragmented condition. One coffin was made of pottery, while the other was constructed of gilded plaster decorated with red-painted motifs. The latter contained gilded human remains believed to belong to a military figure, together with a coin that may date to the Roman period.
Additional discoveries included limestone blocks bearing hieroglyphic inscriptions, further enhancing the importance of studying the site’s chronological development and cultural history.
The historical significance of the discovery lies in the fact that the Panhesy necropolis serves as a living archaeological record documenting the various phases of occupation and use in the area. The cemetery was utilized for the burial of prominent individuals over multiple periods, from the Late Period through the Roman era and into the Christian period.
The site forms an integral part of the great necropolis of Heliopolis, known in antiquity as Iunu, which served as the principal religious center for the worship of the sun god Ra. As a result, the discovery offers valuable new evidence for understanding funerary traditions, religious beliefs, and the social development of the inhabitants of this sacred city across different historical eras.
