Minya: A Spanish archaeological mission affiliated with the University of Barcelona and the Institute of the Ancient Near East succeeded in uncovering a Roman-era tomb in the el-Bahnasa area in Minya Governorate during its excavation work at the site.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the excavations revealed a number of mummies dating to the Roman period. Some were in wrappings decorated with geometric patterns, along with wooden coffins, three gold tongues and one made of copper, as well as evidence of gold leaf on some of the mummies.

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy expressed his delight at the discovery, stressing that it adds to the series of important archaeological finds recently made in Minya Governorate and reflects the richness and diversity of Egyptian civilization across the ages.

For his part, Hisham el Leithy, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said that this discovery provides new insights into funerary practices in the area of el-Bahnasa during the Greek and Roman periods.

The minister also noted the mission’s success in uncovering a rare papyrus inside one of the mummies.

Mohamed Abdel Badie, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, stated that excavation work east of Ptolemaic Tomb No. (67), discovered during the 2024 season, revealed a trench containing three limestone chambers, of which only limited parts remain.

South of the site, small terracotta and bronze figurines were also discovered.