Archaeologists have uncovered an ancient burial site at Tell Ruwad Iskandar in Egypt’s Ismailia Governorate, revealing ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian graves and artifacts from multiple historical periods. Among the artifacts was a gold ring, inscribed with the cartouche of Ramses III. The discovery provides valuable insights into burial customs, religious traditions, and military history.
Excavation at Tell Ruwad Iskandar
The excavation, conducted by an Egyptian archaeological team under the Supreme Council of Antiquities, took place in Maskhouta, near Egypt’s eastern borders. The site, historically significant as a military outpost, once housed fortresses and defensive structures to safeguard Egypt’s frontiers.
Dr. Mohammed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, emphasized the site’s strategic role, noting that it served as a military and administrative hub. The discovery of multiple burial types suggests the area was continuously occupied across different periods, reflecting its enduring significance in Egypt’s history.
Tomb of an Egyptian military commander
One of the most notable finds is the tomb of a high-ranking military commander, dating back to the reign of King Ramses III, the second ruler of the 20th Dynasty.
Constructed from mudbrick, the tomb features a main burial chamber and three additional rooms, with walls coated in white plaster to protect the interior.
Inside the tomb, archaeologists discovered a human skeleton wrapped in cartonnage, a material made from linen and glue, suggesting the tomb may have been reused in a later period.
Artifacts highlighting the commander’s status
The artifacts found within the tomb provide a glimpse into the commander’s high status and close ties to the royal court. Among the most significant discoveries were bronze arrowheads and a scepter, indicating his military authority and elite position.
The presence of alabaster vessels inscribed with the cartouche of King Horemheb, a renowned warrior-pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty, suggests that the commander may have had ties to earlier rulers or followed established military traditions.
A particularly significant find was a gold ring bearing the cartouche of Ramses III. While it does not necessarily belong to the pharaoh himself, it indicates the commander’s direct connection to the king’s rule.
In ancient Egypt, cartouches often marked objects belonging to high-ranking officials, reinforcing the idea that the commander held a prestigious role, possibly as a general or royal military advisor.
Other personal artifacts further illustrate his wealth and influence. Beads, colorful stones, and a small ivory box, possibly used for storing valuable possessions, were also recovered. These luxury items, along with the military relics, highlight the dual aspects of his identity—as both a warrior and a member of Egypt’s elite class.
Ancient Graves in Egypt from the Greek and Roman periods
Alongside the tomb, archaeologists uncovered collective graves from the Greek and Roman periods, containing human skeletal remains. The burial styles and arrangements suggest a mix of Egyptian and foreign influences, likely reflecting the diverse populations that lived in the region during these times.
The presence of these graves indicates that the area continued to function as an important burial site under Greek and Roman rule, possibly serving soldiers, merchants, or officials who resided there.
Late-period graves and religious artifacts
In addition to the mass burials, individual Late-Period graves revealed a strong connection to religious beliefs. Archaeologists discovered amulets dedicated to Taweret and Bes, deities associated with protection and well-being.
Taweret was revered as a guardian of fertility and childbirth, often invoked for protection. Bes, a dwarf-like deity, was believed to ward off evil spirits and misfortune, serving as a protector in both life and the afterlife.
Significance and future research
The discovery at Tell Ruwad Iskandar offers a rare glimpse into Egypt’s military, cultural, and religious history, spanning multiple civilizations. The combination of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman burial sites provides valuable evidence of how different cultures influenced local traditions over time.
Archaeologists plan to conduct further studies on the artifacts, skeletal remains, and burial patterns to uncover more details about the people who lived and died in the region. The Supreme Council of Antiquities has confirmed that excavation work will continue, with the potential for more groundbreaking discoveries in the months ahead.