An Egyptian Archaeological mission working at Al-Abd land in Alexandria uncovered a number of archaeological elements and remains of tombs dated back to the Graeco-Roman era, during excavations carried out in the Eastern section of the Hellenistic cemetery on the site.
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The Graeco-Roman tombstone depicts a temple entrance complete with pillars
and staircase [Credit: Ministry of Antiquities] |
Dr. Mostafa Waziri Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities explains that these remains are a collection of offering vessels, lamps decorated with a scenes of deities. But, he added, the most important find is a tombstone or painted false door that was once used to seal one of the burial shafts. The site of Al-Abd land is located within the eastern cemetery of the ancient city of Alexandria, which contains a number of burials dating back to the Hellenistic era.
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| Oil lamp found in the tombs [Credit: Ministry of Antiquities] |
Dr. Ayman Ashmawy, Head of the Ancient Egyptian Antiquities Sector said that the tombstone contains a number of decorations and inscriptions executed with a mixture of sand and lime on a flat background representing the facade of an ancient Egyptian-style temple depicting a scene showing a staircase leading to the entrance with two columns supporting the entrance’s roof. The staircase leads to an open door, one of which is a half-opening topped with a sun disk winged decoration.
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| Oil lamp found in the tombs [Credit: Ministry of Antiquities] |
Ibrahim Metwaly, Head of the Egyptian excavation mission said that this tombstone is an evolution of the idea of imaginary doors that spread during the ancient Egyptian ages to mislead the thieves from the real door of the tomb.
The tombstone, which is in a poor state of preservation, is currently under restoration.
Source: Ministry of Antiquities [January 09, 2018]
