Archaeologists in Egypt have found 18 new ancient tombs on the Mediterranean coast near Marina El Alamein. This site, located about 100 kilometers west of Alexandria, has been a source of historical discoveries since 1986. In total, 44 tombs have now been found there.
Some of the tombs are above ground, built with stone, while 11 are underground, going about eight meters deep. Many of these underground chambers were found sealed and untouched since ancient times. A significant find was 24 pieces of gold shaped like tongues, placed inside the mouths of the dead. Archaeologists believe these were meant to help the deceased speak in the afterlife, according to ancient Egyptian beliefs.
The site, possibly the ancient city of Leukaspis, was a busy trading center from the Hellenistic period through the Byzantine era. The artifacts found show a mix of cultures. For example, a gold emblem of the Eye of Horus was found near a marble statue of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. Other items include stone altars, grave markers, pottery, lamps, and small glass bottles called lacrimaria, which were used to collect tears.
One large stone coffin, 2.5 meters long, is still sealed and its contents are being analyzed. Fragments of a plaster sphinx were also found. These discoveries help experts understand the cultural history of the area and its connections to the Mediterranean world. The Egyptian government plans to turn Marina El Alamein into a heritage tourism site by mid-2027.