‘City of the Dead’: Archaeologists discovered 36 tombs spanning for 900 years in an ancient city of Egypt

Archaeologists unearthed 36 tombs, each housing between 30 to 40 mummies. These tombs were reused for nearly 900 years and contained families who may have succumbed to infectious diseases. The discovery was made in Aswan, an ancient city that served as a pivotal centre for trade, quarrying, and military activities over 4,500 years ago. According to reports, Aswan is situated on the eastern bank of the Nile River in Egypt.
According to University of Milan researcher Patrizia Piacentini, the burial site spans approximately 270,000 square feet.It features up to ten tiers of ancient tombs arranged in terraces on a hillside. Piacentini suggests that this extensive arrangement suggests the hillside was densely populated with tombs by the city's residents, resembling a "City of the Dead," as reported by the Science Times.

The excavation project's discoveries revealed that burial practices in the ancient society were closely tied to social class distinctions. Archaeologists concluded that elite individuals were buried in higher locations compared to those of the middle class.
According to the report, the 36 recently uncovered tombs date back to either 300 or 600 AD, a period marked by Persian dominance, Roman rule, and the Greek Ptolemaic dynasty. Ayman Ashmawy, head of the Egyptian Antiquities Division at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, noted that mummy examinations indicated a mortality rate of 30-40% among the buried individuals, many of whom died in youth. The deceased included young adults and infants, with evidence suggesting infectious causes for their deaths. Additionally, the discovery of family groupings further underscores these findings.
The team remains enthusiastic about continuing their efforts to unveil the vibrant history of Aswan's diverse ancient population.
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