The discovery was made by an Egyptian archaeological mission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities during ongoing excavations at the site. Archaeologists uncovered a unique cache believed to represent the first near-complete funerary assemblage ever found in the area, alongside a collection of rare artefacts and several metal earrings that preliminary analysis suggests may be made of gold.
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy described the discovery as a significant achievement that reflects the growing success of Egyptian archaeological missions in uncovering and reinterpreting the history of ancient Heliopolis, one of the oldest and most influential religious centres of the ancient world.
“The newly discovered artefacts provide a clearer picture of the daily life and funerary practices of the area’s inhabitants throughout different historical eras,” Fathy said.
Exceptional Cache of Funerary Objects
According to Hesham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, excavations initially revealed a mudbrick burial containing human skeletal remains. Further excavation beneath the burial led to the discovery of a remarkable cache of funerary objects and personal adornments associated with ancient burial rituals.
Among the most significant finds were a copper mirror, two alabaster kohl containers with lids that still preserve traces of cosmetic substances, and a third kohl vessel crafted from black obsidian, a rare material in comparable archaeological contexts.
The mission, led by Kotb Fawzy Kotb, Head of the Central Administration of Cairo and Giza Antiquities, also uncovered two light-blue faience vessels. One of the vessels contained six symbolic scarabs engraved with sunken inscriptions, including two scarabs mounted in yellow metal frames believed to be made of gold.