Egypt Unearths 18 Sealed Greco-Roman Tombs, 24 Gold Tongue Amulets, and an Unopened Granite Sarcophagus

The site itself holds historical significance. Marina el-Alamein is the modern name for the ancient Greco-Roman port city of Leukaspis (also known as Antiphrae) . Multiple authoritative sources, including the Polish–Egyptian Archaeological Mission, confirm that the ruins correspond to this ancient coastal trading port . The city was largely destroyed by a tsunami in the 4th century AD and was rediscovered in the 1980s during construction .

Concurrent discovery: A Byzantine-era city at Dakhla Oasis

Separately, and announced at the same time, Egyptian archaeologists revealed the discovery of a well-preserved Byzantine-era settlement city in the Dakhla Oasis in Egypt's western desert . The site features preserved streets, tools, coins, and residential structures, and it is on UNESCO's tentative list . The Guardian and CNN reported both discoveries in the same articles, noting they are simultaneous but unconnected announcements .

Note on the unopened sarcophagus

The granite sarcophagus found at Marina el-Alamein is described as sealed and unopened at the time of the announcement . This contrasts with a different, unrelated black granite sarcophagus discovered in Alexandria in 2018, which was opened to reveal three skeletons and sewage water . The contents of the newly discovered sarcophagus have not been reported.

Key takeaways

• 18 tombs (11 rock-cut, 7 limestone) at Marina el-Alamein, plus an unopened granite sarcophagus and plaster sphinx .
• 24 gold tongue amulets found in burials, used for speaking in the afterlife .
• Site identified as ancient Leukaspis/Antiphrae, a Greco-Roman port city .
• Total tombs at the site now stands at 48 .
• Separate Byzantine-era city discovered at Dakhla Oasis .