The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has announced a significant archaeological discovery at the site of the tomb of Panehsi in the El-Matariya archaeological area of Ain Shams. The mission, headed by Mr. Kotb Fawzy Kotb, Head of the Central Administration of Cairo and Giza Antiquities, uncovered an archaeological cache containing the first near-complete funerary assemblage ever discovered in the area, along with a collection of rare artifacts and several metal earrings believed to be made of gold. The find sheds new light on the ancient necropolis of Heliopolis and was made during excavations conducted by the Egyptian archaeological mission of the Supreme Council of Antiquities.

Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, stated that this discovery reflects the success of Egyptian archaeological missions in re-examining the rich history of Heliopolis, one of the oldest and most important religious cities of the ancient world. He noted that the newly discovered artifacts provide a clearer picture of the daily life and funerary practices of the region’s inhabitants across different historical periods.

Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained that the ongoing excavations revealed a mudbrick burial containing human skeletal remains. Upon continuing the careful scientific excavation beneath it, archaeologists uncovered a unique cache of artifacts consisting of a distinguished collection of cosmetic tools and symbolic objects associated with funerary rituals.

The discoveries include a copper mirror, two alabaster kohl containers with lids that still preserve traces of kohl, and a third kohl container made of black obsidian, a stone rarely found in such archaeological contexts.

The mission, also found two light-blue faience vessels. One of them contained six symbolic scarabs bearing incised inscriptions, including two scarabs surrounded by yellow metal frames believed to be made of gold.

Mohamed Abdel Badie, Head of the Ancient Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, noted that the cache also contained a group of faience amulets in various symbolic forms, including a duck-shaped amulet and another representing the Atef crown. Four stones were also discovered, two of which are believed to be agate: one pinkish-red stone framed with yellow metal likely made of gold, and another green-blue stone.

Additionally, archaeologists uncovered a remarkable collection of earrings consisting of five pairs of varying sizes, believed to be made of gold, with diameters ranging between 1.5 and 2.5 centimeters.

Abdel Badie explained that this discovery builds upon earlier excavation results from the current season, which revealed remains of funerary structures built of mudbrick and limestone, as well as two coffins found in fragmented form. One coffin was made of pottery, while the other was made of gilded plaster decorated with red-painted motifs. The latter contained gilded human remains believed to belong to a military figure, along with a coin that may date to the Roman period. Limestone blocks bearing hieroglyphic inscriptions were also discovered, further emphasizing the importance of studying the site’s chronological and cultural development.

The historical and cultural significance of this discovery lies in the fact that the Panehsi necropolis serves as a living archaeological record documenting the various periods through which the area passed. The cemetery was used to bury prominent individuals across multiple eras, from the Late Period through the Roman era and into the Christian period.

The site forms an integral part of the great Heliopolis necropolis, known in ancient times as “Iunu” (On), which was the principal religious center for the worship of the sun god Ra. This gives the discovery special importance for understanding funerary practices and the religious, social, and ideological evolution of the inhabitants of this sacred city throughout different historical periods.