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Discovery at Tell el-Yahudiya Reveals Rare Tombs from the End of the New Kingdom and Roman Remains, Expanding Evidence of Long-Term Occupation and Funerary Practices in Egypt’s Eastern Delta Across Different Historical Periods
A set of tombs excavated directly from the rock, something considered relatively rare in Egypt’s Eastern Delta, was discovered at the archaeological site of Tell el-Yahudiya in Qalyubia province. Above the burial structures, archaeologists also found remnants of a Roman camp, revealing different phases of occupation at the same location.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the discovery is noteworthy primarily due to the characteristics of the terrain.
The region’s predominantly clayey soil made constructing this type of tomb difficult, which makes the specimens found especially relevant for studying local funerary practices.
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Archaeological evidence suggests that the tombs were built at the end of the New Kingdom and continued to be used during the Late Period.
This indicates that it was not a one-time occupation. The funerary space remained active throughout successive historical periods.
Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), stated that the find adds new information to the history of Tell el-Yahudiya.
He emphasized both the architectural diversity found and the rarity of the rock-hewn tombs in that area of the Delta.
Tombs Feature Two Different Construction Models
According to Ayman Ashmawy, an advisor to the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, archaeologists identified two main types of tombs.
In the first model, an entrance staircase leads to a hall where burial niches were constructed.
The second features a different structure: a rectangular shaft leads to two chambers intended for burials.
These constructions help illustrate how the natural characteristics of the region directly influenced funerary architecture.
According to Ashmawy, the clayey soil limited the opening of structures in the rock, making this type of construction less common.
During the excavation work, the team also found various movable artifacts related to the tombs. Anwar Abdel Samad, General Director of the Archaeological Area of Qalyubia and head of the Egyptian archaeological mission, explained that these objects helped establish the dating of the structures and the periods during which they remained in use.
Roman camp was above the funerary structures
The site’s history did not end with the burials. In the upper layers of the site, above the tombs, traces of a Roman camp emerged.
Excavations continue in an effort to reveal more elements of this occupation. The overlap of the structures reinforces the evidence that Tell el-Yahudiya was utilized during different historical periods.
The site is already deemed significant due to its association with the Hyksos period, when the area housed a large camp. Subsequently, the location continued to be used during the Greek and Roman periods as well.
Now, the new tombs and Roman remnants add more pieces to this long sequence of occupations.
The archaeological mission continues to work in the upper layers of the site in search of other remains related to the Roman camp.
Sources: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities; Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA); Egyptian archaeological mission responsible for the excavations at Tell el-Yahudiya.
