SerpApi.Org
A groundbreaking excavation in Egypt unearthed bizarre "golden tongues" in several tombs, changing our perception of ancient rituals. Excavations at Marina El Alamein, formerly the ancient settlement of Leukaspis, uncovered 18 tombs containing rare amulets and gold objects used in "golden tongue" ceremonies, significantly deepening Mediterranean archaeological understanding.
Significant new discoveries are adding crucial chapters to the narrative of ancient Egypt. Along the north-western coastline, approximately 300km from the capital Cairo, an archaeological excavation has unearthed 18 burial sites dating to the Roman and Ptolemaic eras, as per Euro News. The discoveries made at Marina El Alamein were announced by Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
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This recent achievement raises the total number of tombs identified in the region since 1986, when the site was first discovered, to 44.
Archaeologists have located 11 underground complexes carved straight into the rock face and an additional seven above-ground constructions built from limestone blocks, several of which were discovered still intact and safeguarded by their original coverings.
In addition, researchers found an extensive collection of artefacts: oil lamps, and immaculately preserved ceramic vessels, basins and small stone altars. Among the most remarkable finds is a substantial granite sarcophagus, measuring two and a half meters in length, which still holds human remains.
The most shocking element of the discovery revealed something fascinating about funeral arrangements from the period. Researchers uncovered 24 delicate gold foils that had been positioned in the mouths of the deceased.
This represents the ancient tradition of the 'golden tongue', a common magical and religious custom during the Hellenistic and Roman periods designed to allow the dead to communicate with the gods of the underworld. Traditional Egyptian beliefs were also symbolised by a gold amulet depicting the Eye of Horus.
Egyptian Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy emphasised that this discovery reinforces the historical importance of Leukaspis as an ancient city.
The ancient community sits approximately a hundred kilometres from Alexandria, the location served as a vital center for commercial and cultural interaction between Egypt and the wider Mediterranean world, and today represents one of the most well-preserved coastal settlements from the classical era in the nation.
