New
discoveries in the Gabal Al-Silsila area of Aswan have changed perceptions of
this ancient Egyptian quarry.
Written By/ Nevne El-Aref.
Gabal
Al-Silsila in Aswan is well known as an ancient Egyptian quarry where stones
were cut to build temples, shrines and tombs. However, new discoveries by a
Swedish archaeological mission on its northern side have now changed previous
theories of how it operated.
“Gabal Al-Silsila was actually a
major hub of commerce, worship and possibly political activities,” John Ward,
assistant director of the mission, said. He added that the new discoveries had
also revealed the health of the area’s inhabitants.
Two
weeks ago, an Egyptian-Swedish archaeological mission from Lund University in
Sweden stumbled upon a group of 12 rock-hewn tombs from the reign of New
Kingdom pharaohs Amenhotep II and Thutmose III, as well as three crypts cut
into the rock, two niches possibly used for offerings, one tomb containing
multiple animal burials, and three individual infant burials along with other
associated materials.
Maria
Nilsson, head of the mission, said that the majority of the tombs excavated so
far, with the main exception of the two infant burials, had been plundered in
antiquity and left without further disturbance covered by up to three metres of
Nile silt, sand, and fallen quarry spoil and debris.
“These readily identifiable
stratifications have given us a wealth of information with regards not only to
the manner in which the spoil and silt have been deposited, but also provided a
rudimentary chronological overview for the area,” Nilsson said. She
explained that the individual tombs excavated so far had revealed multiple
burials within the same chamber or crypt. This suggests the tombs could have
belonged to a complete family and individuals of varying ages and sex.
“In addition, the newly
discovered infant burials present another aspect to the cemetery, clearly
indicating family life at Al-Silsila,” Nilsson pointed out. She added that
three different styles of burials had been documented so far, including a
rock-hewn crypt, a shallow grave covered with stone, and one infant wrapped in
textile placed within a wooden coffin.
Two
of the three children were placed within the overhangs of the natural sandstone
bluffs. They were placed on their side, oriented in either a north-south
direction, face towards the east, or alternatively an east-west direction, and
facing north. Amulets depicting the figure of the god Bes, necklaces, ceramic
vessels, worked flint and coloured pebbles were also found within the graves....... READ MORE.
