In a remarkable find that has electrified the world of Egyptology, an Egyptian archaeological mission has uncovered a significant necropolis containing at least 17 mummies — the first of its kind in the region. The discovery was made near the Nile Valley city of Minya, in the village of Tuna al-Gabal, shedding new light on ancient burial practices and offering a timely boost to Egypt’s tourism sector.
The well-preserved mummies were found in desert catacombs eight metres below ground level. According to Antiquities Minister Khaled al-Anani, the site dates back to the Late Period of Ancient Egypt and the Greco-Roman period, making the remains approximately 2,300 years old. The exceptional state of preservation suggests the deceased were likely high-ranking officials and priests.
“It’s the first human necropolis to be found here in Tuna al-Gabal,” Minister al-Anani announced. Pointing to the edges of the excavated area, where the legs and feet of additional mummies were visible, he indicated that the discovery is far from complete. “The find will be much bigger,” he added.
Accompanying the mummies, archaeologists recovered a golden sheet and two ancient Egyptian scripts, artefacts that promise to provide valuable insights into the religious and cultural practices of the era.
The necropolis represents a major archaeological milestone for the Tuna al-Gabal area. Its emergence offers scholars a rare, undisturbed window into a transitional period of Egyptian history when Pharaonic traditions blended with Hellenistic influences following the conquests of Alexander the Great.
Beyond its academic importance, the discovery carries significant economic implications. Egypt’s tourism industry, a vital pillar of the national economy, has struggled to recover from the political turmoil that began with the 2011 uprising. Antiquities and heritage sites have traditionally been major draws for international visitors, but visitor numbers have lagged in recent years.
Minister al-Anani expressed optimism that the find could help reverse that trend. “It’s as if it’s a message from our ancestors who are lending us a hand to help bring tourists back,” he said.
Locals gathered at the site as news of the discovery spread, reflecting a sense of pride and excitement in the community. Experts continue to survey the catacombs, with expectations high that further mummies and artefacts will emerge in the coming weeks.
This Tuna al-Gabal necropolis not only enriches our understanding of Egypt’s rich past but also serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring allure of its ancient civilization — one that continues to captivate the world more than two millennia later. As excavation work progresses, archaeologists and tourists alike will be watching closely for what other secrets this hidden burial ground may yet reveal.