New Discoveries Highlight the Archaeological and Cultural Significance of Marina El Alamein

The Egyptian archaeological mission working at the ancient city of Marina El Alamein on Egypt’s northwestern coast has made a significant discovery, uncovering 18 ancient tombs, several surface burials, sarcophagi, and a collection of archaeological artifacts during excavation at the site.

 

The mission also revealed additional remains of the ancient city’s urban extensions and architectural components, bringing the total number of tombs discovered at the site since its initial discovery in 1986 to 44. The findings further underscore Marina El Alamein’s importance as one of the most significant ancient coastal cities on the Mediterranean.

 

Sherif Fathy, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, stated that the discovery represents an important archaeological and scientific addition that contributes to a deeper understanding of the cultural identity of Marina El Alamein’s ancient inhabitants and helps reassess the city’s historical role as a major cultural and civilizational hub connecting Egypt with the Mediterranean world. He added that the ministry places great importance on scientific excavations at the site as part of preparations to open it to visitors, creating a new cultural tourism destination alongside the North Coast’s renowned beach tourism.

 

For his part, Hisham El-Leithy explained that the site’s development project will include a visitor center, electric vehicle and pedestrian pathways, a museum storage facility, an administrative building, and an open-air theater. The development is expected to be completed during the first half of next year, transforming Marina El Alamein into a fully integrated archaeological and tourism destination.

 

Mohamed Abdel Badi, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, noted that the discoveries include 11 rock-cut hypogea, with an average depth of eight meters, in addition to seven above-ground limestone tombs. Some of the tombs are exceptionally well preserved, containing sealed burial chambers closed with stone slabs that have remained unopened since antiquity.

 

Excavations also uncovered numerous surface burials surrounding the tombs, reflecting the city’s social diversity. In addition, archaeologists found a water well that had been repurposed for burials during a later period, providing clear evidence of the continued influence of ancient Egyptian funerary traditions during the Ptolemaic Period and Roman Period in Egypt.

 

The excavations yielded an impressive collection of artifacts, including complete and nearly complete pottery vessels, amphorae, oil lamps, plates, limestone altars and basins, as well as several architectural elements associated with the tombs.

Hisham Hussein, Head of the Central Administration for Lower Egypt Antiquities, said one of the most notable discoveries is a limestone offering altar featuring a distinctive architectural façade modeled after the ancient Egyptian “false door,” a prominent element of ancient Egyptian funerary beliefs. Other significant finds include an unfinished marble statue believed to depict Aphrodite, a limestone funerary stele portraying a seated man holding a bird, and several glass tear bottles.

Meanwhile, Iman Abdel Khaleq, head of the archaeological mission and director of the site, announced the discovery of a 2.5-meter-long granite sarcophagus that remains sealed with its original lid in place. Human skeletal remains found inside are currently under scientific study. Adjacent to the sarcophagus, archaeologists uncovered fragments of a plaster Sphinx statue, providing further evidence of the continued presence of Egyptian religious and artistic influences during the Hellenistic and Roman periods.

She added that another remarkable discovery consists of 24 gold objects placed inside the mouths of some of the deceased, representing the so-called “golden tongue,” a funerary practice associated with beliefs of the period. Among them was a gold amulet in the form of the Eye of Horus, one of the most important protective symbols in ancient Egyptian religion.

Marina El Alamein is located on Egypt’s northwestern Mediterranean coast, approximately 100 kilometers west of Alexandria. The site is widely believed to be the ancient city of Leukaspis, mentioned by the Greek geographer Strabo. The city flourished from the Hellenistic period through the Byzantine era, reaching its peak of urban and economic prosperity during the first three centuries CE.

The site was discovered in 1986 during construction work in the Marina area. Since then, extensive excavations and archaeological studies have revealed one of Egypt’s best-preserved ancient coastal cities, featuring a well-planned street network, residential buildings, public structures, a harbor, commercial districts, and extensive cemeteries that reflect the rich cultural and civilizational diversity of Egypt’s Mediterranean coast during the Hellenistic and Roman eras.

This latest discovery marks another important step toward completing the historical picture of Marina El Alamein and strengthening its status as one of the most significant archaeological and cultural destinations on Egypt’s North Coast, as part of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities’ ongoing efforts to preserve Egypt’s heritage and make it accessible to visitors.