'City of The Dead': Archaeologists Discovers 1,400 Mummies in Ancient Egyptian Town

'city of the dead': archaeologists discovers 1,400 mummies in ancient egyptian town

Archaeologists have uncovered 36 tombs in the ancient Egyptian city of Aswan, each containing 30 to 40 mummies. This discovery is being likened to a "City of the Dead" due to its scale and significance. These tombs were in use for up to 900 years, and it is believed that the individuals buried there may have died from infectious diseases.

Aswan, formerly known as Swan, which means "market," has a rich history spanning more than 4,500 years. The city, located on the east bank of the Nile River, was a vital hub for trade, quarrying, and military operations. Its population included diverse groups such as ancient Persians, Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, and subtropical Africans.

The archaeological team, led by Patrizia Piacentini from Milan, has been working at the site for five years. According to a report by Science Times, Piacentini revealed that the burial site covers an area of almost 270,000 square feet. The site consists of up to ten terraces of tombs arranged in layers on a hill near the modern Mausoleum of Aga Khan III.

The excavation revealed that the tombs were arranged according to social class. The elites were buried at the top of the hill, while the middle-class individuals were buried below. The tombs are dated between 600 BC and 300 AD, covering significant periods such as Persian rule, the Greek Ptolemaic dynasty, and Roman rule.