Archaeologist Kathleen Martínez has been leading an Egyptian-Dominican mission since 2005, dedicated to carefully exploring the Taposiris Magna necropolis located west of Alexandria. This necropolis houses a temple that is believed to have been constructed by one of the descendants of Alexander the Great’s general, King Ptolemy IV. King Ptolemy IV ruled over the region from 221 BC to 204 BC. The mission aims to uncover the mysteries and historical significance of this ancient temple, shedding light on the fascinating era of Ptolemaic Egypt. Through meticulous excavation and research, the team hopes to reveal the secrets and artifacts buried within the Taposiris Magna necropolis, providing valuable insights into the history and culture of this bygone civilization.
Nestled within a remarkable archaeological site, lies a captivating hub of historical remnants, adorned with a treasure trove of coins bearing the likeness of the illustrious Queen Cleopatra VII. However, recent discoveries have unveiled even more ancient artifacts, dating back a staggering 2,000 years. Unveiled within this captivating landscape are fifteen Greco-Roman tombs, each preserving an array of mummified remains. Among this extraordinary collection, one mummy stands out, exuding an aura of exceptional singularity.
The mummies discovered in that location exhibited significant deterioration, and one particular finding garnered immense international attention. A remarkable golden tongue was uncovered within one of the mummies, indicating its purpose as a ceremonial artifact believed to grant the ability to speak before Osiris’ court, responsible for the judgment of souls in the afterlife.
Additionally, the institution has reported other captivating discoveries among the mummies. One of them contained precious Osiris beads made of gold, showcasing intricate craftsmanship. Another mummy adorned a crown adorned with horns and a cobra resting on its forehead, symbolizing power and protection. Lastly, a remarkable golden necklace shaped like a hawk, representing the revered deity Horus, was unearthed, resting gracefully upon the chest of the final mummy.
نجحت البعثة المصرية الدومينيكانية العاملة بمعبد تابوزيريس ماجنا بغرب الإسكندرية، في الكشف عن ١٦ دفنة في مقابر منحوتة
The Egyptian-Dominican mission, working at the Taposiris Magna Temple in western Alexandria, succeeded in discovering 16 burials in the rock-cut tombs pic.twitter.com/x6Yr7g1zo8— Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (@TourismandAntiq) January 29, 2021
According to Khaled Abu al Hamd, the director-general of the Department of Antiquities of Alexandria, there have been recent noteworthy discoveries in the region. Among these findings is a funerary mask of a woman, along with eight intricately designed gold plates and eight finely crafted Greco-Roman marble masks.
For over 15 years, the joint Egyptian-Dominican expedition has diligently explored the area with the hope of unearthing the tomb of the legendary Cleopatra. According to historical accounts, Cleopatra, the pharaoh, allegedly met her demise in AD 30 by intentionally allowing an asp to bite her, following the death of her lover, the Roman general Mark Antony, who perished in her embrace due to blood loss. While this narrative is commonly accepted based on Plutarch’s writings, there are also suspicions that Cleopatra might have been a victim of poisoning.
