Skip to main content

20 ancient mummies discovered in Aswan tomb

The sudden discovery of a tomb in Aswan took an Egyptian-Italian archaeological mission by surprise.
KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images

An Egyptian-Italian archaeological mission has discovered 20 well-preserved 2,000-year-old mummies in the necropolis around the mausoleum of Aga Khan in West Aswan, Egypt. The mummies were found in a large and previously unknown tomb beneath a place of worship dedicated to the Ancient Egyptian god Khnum.

The whole complex, well preserved despite showing traces of fire, consists of two structures. The above-ground portion was the first structure to be found in this ancient cemetery, which extends over a vast area on the west bank of the Nile’s First Cataract. The second, the tomb, was carved into the rock beneath. The team is now working out their connection to each other and to the rest of the necropolis.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.