A significant discovery of artifacts from Egypt’s Late and Ptolemaic periods has been made in the Nile Delta area, with a total of 63 tombs yielding a trove of valuable items. The artifacts, which include gold pieces, jewelry, statues, funerary amulets, and even a pottery vessel containing 38 bronze coins dating back to the Ptolemaic period, were unearthed by an Egyptian archaeological mission at the Tell al-Deir necropolis in Damietta city, Damietta governorate.
The Ptolemaic dynasty, which marked Egypt's final era before its integration into the Roman Empire, was established in 305 B.C. following Alexander the Great's conquest of Egypt in 332 B.C. The dynasty was founded by Ptolemy I, one of Alexander's generals, and continued through his descendants until the reign of Cleopatra.
The artifacts discovered in the tombs are currently undergoing restoration and classification by experts from the country’s antiquities authority. Neveine el-Arif, spokesperson for the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, mentioned that some of the items may be put on display at one of Egypt's museums, allowing the public to appreciate these historical treasures.
In 2018, Egypt showcased artifacts from the Ptolemaic period for the first time at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, featuring around 300 items for visitors to admire. This recent discovery adds to the rich tapestry of Egypt's ancient history and provides valuable insights into the culture and customs of the Late and Ptolemaic periods.
