Al-Bahnasa Excavation Reveals Mass Graves and Golden Tongues and Nails In Egypt

By Malak Khaled

Known for its rich archaeology, Al-Bahnasa has monuments that can be traced through different civilizations—from the grandeur of the Pharaonic era to the spiritual legacy of the Islamic era. And now, the village is drawing attention to itself again by unveiling yet another extraordinary discovery.

An archaeological expedition in Al-Bahnasa area of Minya Province, Egypt, uncovered several tombs from the Ptolemaic period (332-30 BC) on Saturday, December 14th. These tombs, which contain mummies, skeletons, coffins, and unique artifacts, such as amulets and heart scarabs, were excavated by a joint Egyptian-Spanish mission. 

Findings

The findings include the first human remains discovered at Al-Bahnasa, 13 golden tongues, and nails from mummies of the Ptolemaic era. For Ancient Egyptians, the golden tongues would help them plead their case in front of Osiris, the God of the Afterlife. The golden nails are, however, a sign of opulence and high status.

The discovery also includes texts and scenes depicting Ancient Egyptians, which offer new insights into the religious practices of the Ptolemaic period. One tomb featured a heart scarab, and several amulets for deities such as Horus, Thoth, and Isis were found. 

Mass Grave

A burial area was found intact, which makes it particularly valuable. It contains a well-made stone burial shaft leading to a mass grave with mummies arranged side by side in three rooms. 

There was also another set of chambers. One was decorated with colorful scenes of the tomb’s owner, Wennefer, and his family, with depictions of gods like Anubis, Osiris, and Horus, as well as a ceiling painting of the goddess Nut, goddess of the sky. 

In the depiction, a sheen of gold can be detected on the face of the corpse that is being mummified by Anubis. Similarly, a layer of gold can be found on Osiris and Horus. This is a clear sign that Wennefer and his family were very important and were of high rank at one time.  

Al-Bahnasa continues to amaze the world with its incredible discoveries, offering glimpses into Egypt’s diverse history. Each new finding adds to the legacy of this rich site, deepening our understanding of ancient civilizations and their enduring impact.

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