Unveiling the first semi-complete funerary furniture at the “Banhasi” cemetery in the Matariya ruins in Ain Shams
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in Egypt announced an important archaeological discovery at the site of the “Banhasi” necropolis in the Matariya archaeological area in Ain Shams) the east of Cairo, revealing more secrets of the ancient Pharaohs cemetery of Heliopolis, during excavations conducted by the Egyptian archaeological mission affiliated with the Supreme Council of Antiquities at the site, where it succeeded in finding an archaeological cache that includes the first semi-complete funerary furniture to be discovered in the region, in addition to a group of rare archaeological finds and a number of metal earrings that are likely made of gold.
The Minister of Tourism and Antiquities as well confirmed that this discovery reflects the success of the efforts of Egyptian archaeological missions in rereading the cultural Pharaohs history of the city of Heliopolis, one of the oldest and most important religious cities in the ancient world, noting that the new discoveries provide a clearer picture of the nature of life and funerary practices of the inhabitants of the region across successive historical eras.
About this discovery, Dr. Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities explained that the current excavations resulted in the discovery of a burial ground made of mud brick containing the remains of human bones. With the completion of the meticulous scientific excavation work underneath, a unique archaeological cache was uncovered that includes a distinct collection of ornamental tools and symbolic finds associated with funerary practices.
He added that the finds included a mirror made of copper, and two alabaster kohls equipped with covers that still contain remnants of kohl, in addition to a third kohl made of black obsidian stone, which is one of the rare stones in such archaeological contexts.
The mission official, headed by the head of the Central Administration of Antiquities in Cairo and Giza, said that they found two light blue faience vessels, one of which contained 6 symbolic scarabs bearing intaglio inscriptions, including two scarabs surrounded by a yellow metal frame that is likely to be of gold.
The mission official, headed by the head of the Central Administration of Antiquities in Cairo and Giza, said that they found two light blue faience vessels, one of which contained 6 symbolic scarabs bearing intaglio inscriptions, including two scarabs surrounded by a yellow metal frame that is likely to be of gold.
For his part, the head of the Ancient Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities indicated that the cache also included a group of amulets made of faience in various symbolic shapes, including an amulet in the shape of a duck and another in the form of a crown of thorns, in addition to 4 stones, two of which are believed to be agate stones, one of which is pinkish-red in color and surrounded by a yellow metal frame that is likely to be gold, and the other is azure green in color. A distinct set of yellow metal earrings was also found, consisting of five pairs of different sizes, likely made of gold, with diameters ranging between 1.5 and 2.5 cm.
He explained that this discovery represents a scientific extension of the results of previous excavations at the site during the current season, which resulted in the discovery of the remains of funerary facilities built of mud brick and limestone, in addition to two coffins that were found in the form of accumulated parts, one made of pottery, and the other of gilded plaster decorated with red inscriptions.
The latter contained gilded remains believed to belong to a military figure, along with a coin that may date back to the Roman era. Blocks of limestone bearing hieroglyphic writing were also found, which enhances the importance of studying the chronology and civilization of the site. The historical and cultural importance of this discovery lies in the fact that the “Banhasi” cemetery represents a living archaeological record documenting the various periods of time that the region witnessed, as the cemetery was used to bury prominent figures across multiple eras, starting from the late ages, through the Roman era, and reaching the Christian eras.
The site is an integral part of the great cemetery of Heliopolis, known in ancient times as “On,” which was the main religious center for the worship of the sun god “Ra,” which gives this discovery special importance in studying the funerary practices and the doctrinal and social development of the inhabitants of this holy city throughout the different eras.
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