An Egyptian archaeological team, led by Mr. Kotb Fawzy, has uncovered a Roman-era cemetery in Marsa Matruh, situated along Egypt’s Mediterranean coast. The discovery was made during excavations at the Om El-Rakham site, shedding new light on the region’s historical significance.
Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, underscored the importance of the find, noting Marsa Matruh’s historical role as a crucial hub for Mediterranean trade, not just during the Roman period but across various eras.
Among the discoveries were two rock-cut catacomb tombs, typical of Roman burial practices. These tombs contained 29 burial niches, glass flasks, intricately decorated offering tables, a statue of a man in a Roman toga, a ram statue, a bust of an unidentified woman, and several bronze coins. The team also uncovered a complete bathhouse, featuring reception halls, seating areas, bathing rooms, cisterns, and drainage systems.
Dr. Khaled expressed his satisfaction with the mission’s success, aligning with the directives of Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sharif Fathy to focus on Egyptian-led archaeological endeavors, aiming to reveal more about Egypt’s ancient past.
Dr. Ayman Ashmawy, head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, provided further details on the catacomb tombs. He explained that each tomb features a staircase leading to a platform in front of the burial chamber. Inside, the main square chamber, topped with a vaulted ceiling, contains rock-cut burial niches (loculi) sealed with limestone blocks. The tombs were further adorned with a false door, supported by engaged columns and decorated with a molded cornice and a limestone offering table, highlighting the craftsmanship of the period.
This discovery adds a significant chapter to the ongoing exploration of Egypt’s rich and diverse history, offering new insights into the ancient world’s connections across the Mediterranean.
