Archaeologists working at the ancient site of Tell el-Yahudiya in Egypt’s Qalyubia Governorate have uncovered a series of rare rock-cut tombs and further remains of a Roman military camp, revealing new evidence of the site’s use across several periods of Egyptian history.
The discoveries were made during continuing excavations at Tell el-Yahudiya, an archaeological site in the eastern Nile Delta, according to Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
The archaeological mission uncovered tombs representing several architectural styles, while also completing further excavation of a Roman camp situated in the upper archaeological layers above the burials.
Dr Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the discoveries represent an important addition to understanding the history of Tell el-Yahudiya.
The rock-cut tombs are particularly significant because such burials are comparatively rare in the Delta, where the predominantly clay soil generally makes this type of construction unusual.
Researchers hope the newly excavated examples will provide further evidence about burial practices and how they developed in the eastern Delta over successive periods.
Archaeological evidence recovered from the tombs has also helped researchers establish their chronology. According to the ministry, the burials date from the later phases of ancient Egyptian history and continued to be used over an extended period, demonstrating prolonged funerary activity at the site.
Two types of rock-cut tomb discovered
Dr Ayman Ashmawy, adviser to the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said archaeologists had identified two principal forms of tomb architecture.
The first consists of a staircase descending into a hall, with burial shafts positioned alongside it. The second features a rectangular shaft leading to two chambers used for burials.
Ashmawy said the designs are particularly noteworthy in Qalyubia and the wider Delta because of the region’s geological conditions.
Examples of rock-cut tombs elsewhere in northern Egypt are relatively limited, although comparable forms are known from sites including Kom el-Shoqafa in Alexandria and areas along Egypt’s northern coast.
Artefacts recovered in association with the tombs have helped archaeologists date the structures and identify the periods during which they were constructed and used, according to Anwar Abdel Samad, Director-General of the Qalyubia Archaeological Area and head of the excavation mission.
Roman camp reveals later occupation
Above the tombs, archaeologists have continued uncovering the remains of a Roman military camp.
Officials said the overlapping archaeological layers demonstrate that Tell el-Yahudiya remained significant long after the tombs were created, with the site being repeatedly occupied and adapted during different periods.
The area has particular historical importance because of its association with the Hyksos period, when a large camp was established there. Activity subsequently continued through the Greek and Roman periods.
The combination of funerary structures, associated artefacts and military remains is providing archaeologists with a broader picture of Tell el-Yahudiya’s changing role over time.
Egyptian antiquities officials said the latest discoveries demonstrate both the strategic importance of the site and the longevity of human activity there, from ancient burial practices to its later military use.
Sources : Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities