The Independent reported that Egyptian archaeologists have discovered gold leaves and small statues symbolizing ancient Egyptian gods Isis, Bastet, and Horus in dozens of tombs dating back at least 2,500 years at an ancient Egyptian cemetery in Tel el-Deir.
Unlike most ancient Egyptian treasures from thousands of years ago that were looted by tomb raiders, the latest site discovered contains intact gold treasures, including copper coins, gold leaves, and ancient statues symbolizing gods like Isis, Bastet, and Horus.
The undamaged artifacts, such as ceramics, amulets, and scarabs, found along with the treasures have shed more light on the customs and rituals practiced by ancient Egyptians during this era - Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities of Egypt, said.
For many decades, researchers have conducted excavation projects at a site in Tel el-Deir near Lebanon, and discovered this ancient cemetery.
In 2019, archaeologists found 7 gold coins dating from the Byzantine period (284-641 AD) and statues carved with the name of Pharaoh Psamtik II of the 26th Dynasty.
The excavations over the years reached a peak when a large cemetery was discovered in 2022, dating from 644 to 525 BC.
This cemetery dates back to the Late Period of Ancient Egypt, where many types of people, from commoners to the wealthy, were buried.
At this site, researchers previously discovered small containers for internal organs - containers for internal organs of the deceased during the mummification process.
The tombs here were built with mud brick for commoners and limestone for the wealthy.
Notably, archaeologists also excavated 38 copper coins in a ceramic vessel at the site, dating from the Ptolemaic period, which lasted for several hundred years after the cemetery was built from 305 to 30 BC.
The Egyptian archaeologists said that, along with this discovery, the excavated layout of the complex may lead to the re-dating of an important stage for the ancient Egyptian city of Damietta.
In general, the excavated artifacts have shed more light on the craftsmanship of ancient Egyptians as well as their ability to access materials through trade.
These findings suggest that Damietta was an important commercial center in a significant period of ancient Egyptian history.
