Archaeologists They made a groundbreaking discovery Aswan, Sweetcornreveals a “City of the Dead” with thousands of dead MummiesThis significant find is located near the Aga Khan III Tomb and marks the culmination of five years of meticulous work. excavation Covering an area of ​​approximately 270,000 square feet, the site has more than 300 gravesHome to 30 to 40 mummies each, the discovery offers a fascinating insight into the funerary practices and social dynamics of ancient Egyptian society.
The excavation team, led by Patrizia Piacentini from the University of Milan, began work in 2019. The site dates back to a period of around 900 years, between the 6th century BC and the 9th century AD. Known in ancient times as Swenett, Aswan was an important military outpost and trading centre, strategically located at the base of the Nile River. The city’s importance in the past is evidenced by its extensive granite quarrying and its role as a transit point for people and goods from various regions.
The tombs discovered at the site are arranged in terraces, reflecting the social hierarchy of the period. The elite were buried at the top of the hill, while the middle class and lower classes were buried further down. Notable finds include the well-preserved mummy of the commander-in-chief of Aswan, which highlights the importance of the individuals buried at this site. Many of the tombs contain funerary offerings such as pottery, wood carvings and other artifacts, providing valuable insight into the customs and beliefs of the ancient Egyptians.
One of the most striking aspects of this discovery is the large number of mummies of infants and children. Ayman Ashmawy, head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, said that studies of the remains showed that approximately 30% to 40% of those buried at the site were young adults or infants who succumbed to diseases such as tuberculosis, anemia and organ diseases. This high mortality rate among children highlights the difficult living conditions and health problems that ancient society faced. Some of the mummies were found wrapped in cardboard, a type of paper pulp material, indicating the care and effort that went into the burial.
The discovery of the “City of the Dead” has also shed light on the reuse of tombs over the centuries. Many of the tombs were reused repeatedly, with new ones placed over old ones. This practice demonstrates evolving burial traditions and the site’s continued use by successive generations. The excavation team took great care to document and preserve the findings, and the best-preserved mummies were sent to various museums for further study and exhibition.

Patrizia Piacentini, the Italian director of the mission, described the find as “truly magnificent, very unique in Egypt.” “The people who once lived in Aswan covered the hill with tombs. A kind of City of the dead“.
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in Egypt has played a key role in supporting excavation and conservation efforts. The ministry’s involvement ensures that discoveries are preserved and made available to the public. Aswan’s “City of the Dead” is a striking example of ancient Egypt’s rich historical and cultural heritage. This discovery not only enhances our understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization, but also highlights the need for continued archaeological work to uncover the mysteries of the past.