Summary

• Tuna El Gabal, located in Egypt’s Minya Governorate, is a remarkable archaeological site showcasing a vast necropolis from the New Kingdom to the Roman era.
• Revered for its richly decorated tombs, including those of high priests like Petosiris and tragic figures like Isadora, the site reveals the evolution of Egyptian burial customs influenced by Greek and Roman traditions.
• Key features include sprawling catacombs with ibis and baboon mummies honoring Thoth, early boundary stelae of Akhenaten, and intricate funerary art.
• Excavations have uncovered hundreds of mummies, rare papyri, and ceremonial artifacts.
• A sacred space for centuries, Tuna El Gabal offers invaluable insight into Egypt’s spiritual, cultural, and artistic legacy.

Tuna El Gebel is an extraordinary attraction that stood strong against the power of time like a white flower in the heart of the Western Sahara, radiating pure allure and grandeur, plus Magnificat tales about one of the greatest ancient cities in the history of this miraculous ancient civilization of Egypt. The place holds immense historical significance and priceless importance as it is filled with an incredible necropolis with tombs and catacombs that date back to the New Kingdom, Ptolemaic, and Roman periods.

This epic attraction provides a magical glimpse into their way of life, style of housing, and valuable insights into the burial customs and commemorative culture of these ancient Egyptians. Excavations at Tuna El Gabal have revealed a treasure trove of artifacts, which remain a main contribution to our understanding of the ancient civilization that once thrived in this blessed region.

Learn About the Unique Location of Tuna El Gebel

Tuna El Gebel is located in the Minya Governorate in middle Egypt, around 246 kilometers (153 miles) south of Cairo. The site’s strategic position along the Nile River contributed to its prominence as a major administrative and trade center in ancient times. The site has a strategic location found near the epic city of Hermopolis Magna or the city of Khnum, which made it an ideal burial ground for ancient Egyptians, that is just 11 km from the city, plus its in the north-western boundary of Akhenaten’s city, that gain fame for holding the boundary stela.

Explore the Unique History of Tuna El Gebel

Throughout the glorious historical epochs within the necropolis of Tuna el-Gebel, an array of great tombs and amazing activities thrived. While the Ptolemaic and Roman eras predominantly boast the majority of tombs and activities, one exceptional temple stands out, tracing its origins back to the times of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. These unique temples might have been dedicated to Amenhotep III, the god of writings and knowledge, Thoth, and other revered ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses. The area also holds a few tombs from the New Kingdom era (1570 – 1070 BC).

In the Late Period, the necropolis of Tuna el-Gebel served as the main animal cemetery, which was centered around mummified baboons and ibises, symbolizing Thoth, alongside various bird mummies. The burial of ancient Egyptian animals seems to be the result of nearby animal preserves and breeding grounds, which reflect the veneration of Thoth in the local culture.

The Ptolemaic age (305 – 30 BC) brought a significant upsurge in the utilization of this legendary necropolis. During the late 4th century BC, two brothers and priests of Thoth known by the names of Djed-Thoth-iu-ef-ankh and Petosiris were the first to construct the first-ever large tombs. Thoth priest Petosiris chose a spot near the epic temple of Thoth, which is found 200 m south of the animal necropolis, in order to build his tomb. The magical Ptolemaic tombs were characterized by their large, smooth stones adorned with intricate reliefs. However, as time passed, the tombs were constructed with intentionally rougher, smaller stones.

Although stone tombs persisted into the Roman Period, mud brick tombs were also introduced. Most tombs followed a rectangular shape, with some early examples featuring a unique T shape. The stone tombs tended to be more elaborate, signifying the burial of wealthier individuals. In addition to conventional tombs, some of them were designed with stone or mud brick pillars, though too narrow to accommodate a body. These pillars often contained niches or spaces for urns, and some burials were placed beneath them.

During the Roman Period (30 BC – 640 CE), the burial style evolved that showing an increase in Greek influence. Initially, the mummies were concealed in underground galleries, then they were later placed on the floor and eventually displayed more prominently. Despite the changing burial practices, mummification remained highly popular during this period as an essential practice. While the early tombs exhibited opulence and showcased wealth, the later tombs became more economical in their construction.

In the Roman era, cheaper materials were used, and tombs were designed with multiple stories to accommodate several burials. Some stone tombs even served as mass graves. Recycling of stone tombs became a trend, with secondary burials placed inside existing tombs or additional stories built above them. For example, the renowned tomb of Petosiris contained several secondary burials. Although most individuals buried during the Roman Period in Tuna el-Gebel were of Egyptian origin, the original burial method was heavily influenced by Greek traditions, which became more pronounced over time. Throughout the era’s progression, the practice of mummification remained widely favored.

Discover the Marvelous Tombs & Catacombs of Tuna El Gebel

These Tombs & Catacombs date back to various periods, with many belonging to high-ranking ancient Egyptian nobles, officials, priests, and other esteemed members of ancient Egyptian society. The tombs and catacombs offer valuable insights into the funerary practices, Ancient Egyptian Religion, and societal structures of ancient Egypt. The most famous tombs in the area include:

The Tomb of Petosiris

A remarkable monument awaits those who venture into the necropolis of Tuna el-Gebel: the family tomb of Petosiris, an esteemed high priest of Thoth believed to have lived around 300 BC. This temple-tomb stands out with its pure style of ancient Egyptian architecture, featuring a pronaos, or pillared entrance hall, at ground level, and a cult chapel tucked into the rock below ground, housing the burial chamber. The magnificence of Petosiris’s legacy is showcased in the Cairo Museum, where his inlaid wooden coffin is on display but may have been moved to the National Museum in Fustat.

Stepping into the pillared portico, everyone will get to cast their eyes on vivid depictions of various industries, including jewelry making, metalworking, incense crafting, and woodworking, as well as scenes of agricultural activities. Adorning the rear wall on either side of the entrance to the cult chapel, beautifully carved reliefs depict Petosiris and his wife alongside their relatives, accompanied by scenes of butchers and offering-bringers. Within the cult chapel, four square pillars surround the burial shaft, adorned with Egyptian hieroglyphs, while the figures adorning the walls sport a rare blend of Egyptian and Greek clothing, reflecting the intertwining of the two distinct periods.

The chapel is divided into eastern and western halves, each dedicated to the father and brother of Petosiris, respectively. These sections boast traditional funerary scenes and depictions of Egyptian deities, all presented with exquisite artistry that demonstrates the influence of both the Egyptian Old Kingdom and conventional Greek style. Among the invaluable texts preserved within the chapel is a description of works carried out in the temples of Hermopolis, adding historical significance to the already captivating tomb.

Recently cleaned and fitted with modern lighting, the tomb now reveals its well-preserved, elegant reliefs in all their glory. The original paint is remarkably intact, showcasing soft, airy colors, with a delicate hue of pale blue that enhances the tomb’s beauty. It is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking Egyptian tombs ever encountered.

The Tomb of Isadora

Adjacent to the Tomb of Petosiris, lies the melancholic resting place of Isadora, dating back to the 2nd century AD. The tomb’s decoration is sparse, accompanied by Greek texts commemorating the lady interred here. An intriguing legend surrounds Isadora—a young maiden hailing from the town of Hermopolis, renowned for her exceptional beauty and gentle nature.

Tragically, fate intervened when her boat capsized during a journey to meet her beloved fiancé from Antinopolis, located on the east bank of the Nile, leading to her untimely drowning. Isadora’s grief-stricken father constructed this elaborate tomb in her memory, where she rests eternally, her mummy enshrined within a case in the first chamber.

At the rear of the chapel, an artfully sculpted half-shell gracefully shelters the funerary couch. Within the vicinity of Isadora’s tomb stands the Oedipus tomb, adorned with replicas of scenes from the Greek Theban cycle—the original masterpieces now housed in the Cairo Museum. Numerous other tombs adorn the city of the dead, some even adorned with mock stone paneling reminiscent of Greek tombs in Alexandria.

Everyone has the opportunity to explore some of the tombs, while others may be accessed upon request. Further south, a colossal Roman waterwheel and a deep well-shaft, approximately 34 meters in depth, provide intriguing insights into the ancient water supply system that once sustained the area during the Roman era.

The Catacombs

This catacomb represents the most significant section of Tuna el-Gebel, holding the revered ‘living images’ of Thoth. Northward on the site lies an intriguing stone balustrade that once enclosed an area dedicated to raising sacred ibis, which is an esteemed bird in ancient Egyptian culture. Beyond this enclosure lies an expansive catacomb, known as the sacred catacombs of Thoth, where baboon and ibis burials rest.

The majority of these marvelous animal burials date all the way back to the incredible Graeco-Roman Period, with noteworthy discoveries such as a baboon sarcophagus that dates to the time of Darius I (550 – 486  BC), along with several magnificent stone ibis sarcophagi. Within the side chambers of the catacombs, countless pottery jars house the mummified remains of these revered birds.

A remarkable and historically vital find within this catacomb was a jar containing highly preserved Aramaic administrative papyri from the time of the Persian occupation of Egypt. This discovery sheds light on the administrative and cultural aspects of the region during that era. The catacombs were not merely confined underground; they also integrated above-ground cult structures, including a temple constructed under the patronage of Alexander IV, adding another layer of historical significance to the site.

Stela of Akhenaten

Stela of Akhenaten can be discovered through making a way from the marvelous Tuna El gabal area that once held this great stela from Akhenaten’s reign, located in a shrine discovered in 1714. The first monument encountered is Akhenaten’s boundary stela, situated on the right-hand side of the road.

It was created in Amarna city of 18th Dynasty of the New Kingdom. It is the oldest stela at the site and is placed above a steep flight of stone steps leading to a rock shrine carved into the cliff face. Inside the shrine, Jesuit traveler Claud Sicard found the first identified Akhetaten boundary stela, adorned with rock-cut sculptures of Akhenaten and his family.

The accompanying text dates back to the sixth year of his reign and records Akhenaten’s vow not to expand his city’s limits. The stela depicts the king and queen making offerings to the Aten in a typical Amarna pose. The stela has suffered significant erosion, but it is now protected by large smoked glass doors.

The Various Excavations of Tuna El Gebel Across the Years

The Tuna el-Gebel site in Minya has been a significant location for archaeological exploration since the start of the 20th century. Unprovenanced mummy masks housed in museums worldwide are likely to have originated from this site during the 19th century. Formal archaeological investigations began in the early 20th century, with various expeditions discovering Roman-period tombs, including the tomb of Petosiris in 1919.

Throughout the years, different archaeological teams from institutions like the Institut Français d´Archéologie Orientale, Deutsche Orient-Gesellschaft, Cairo University, Munich University, Trier University, Roemer- und Pelizaeus-Museum, and Lower Saxony State Museum have conducted excavations and surveys at the site. They explored different areas, including the necropolis and underground galleries filled with animal burials.

In recent times, a German team from the Roemer- und Pelizaeus-Museum and the Lower Saxony State Museum, continued the work, producing a detailed map and architectural plan of the site. In 2017, an interdisciplinary project called “Celebrating with the dead” started, combining archaeology, geophysics, and land surveying methods. Among the notable finds of the project were a burial shaft containing over 40 mummies, sarcophagi adorned with beautifully painted scenes, and various objects related to religious practices and funerary rituals.

In February 2019, Egyptian archaeologists made a significant discovery at Tuna El-Gebel, finding fifty mummy collections dating back to the Ptolemaic Kingdom, including twelve graves belonging to children. In January 2020, another discovery was announced, revealing the collective graves of senior officials and high clergies of the god Djehuty (Thoth), along with sarcophagi, five well-preserved coffins, and 16 tombs with hieroglyphic texts.

The Marvelous Burial customs and commemorative culture of Tuna El Gebel

The excavations at Tuna el-Gebel provide valuable insights into the burial practices, funeral processions, and rituals associated with the ancient Egyptians and their beliefs about the afterlife. The ancient Egyptians continued their tradition when it comes to burying their dead, preserving their bodies by mummification plus preparing and executing the house of embalmment, funeral processions, burial practices, tomb offerings, and rituals associated with the tombs.

The excavators were able to make a number of discoveries of a significant number of mummified bodies in their publications. The presence of these mummies suggests the existence of a house of embalmment in the area. The exact location of the house of embalmment was located outside the necropolis; the processional way likely started there and led westward into the desert.

There were three main roads, two leading into the southern part of the excavated necropolis and one leading to a sacred precinct with two open courts west of the necropolis, with two potential sites mentioned: Hermopolis and a necropolis about 10 km west of the town. The lengthy procedure of mummification makes it unlikely that embalming took place in the town of the living. It is speculated that the house might have been situated at the edge of the cultivated land of the Nile Valley.

Processions with the mummified bodies are attested, particularly during the Ptolemaic period. The best-preserved example is the depiction of the funeral procession of the deceased Petosiris shown in his temple-like tomb. Placement of Bodies in Tombs and the burial practices in Tuna el-Gebel varied, with different forms of burials observed, such as deep shafts, pits in the ground, tomb enclosures, mummies openly displayed on klinai, single tomb monuments, tomb pillars, and even cremation urns. The manner of burial depended on the period and the social status of the deceased.

Tomb Offerings came in the shape of ushabtis, amulets, scarabs, and other protective ancient Egyptian symbols that were typical during the Ptolemaic period. There is also evidence of faience amphorae, glass vessels, and simple cooking ware used for rituals and offerings to the deceased.

It is shown that the ancient Egyptians gathered at the tombs after funerals and possibly on anniversaries to celebrate their ancestors. Rituals likely involved cooking food on fireplaces in front of the tombs, using vessels for offerings, and possibly presenting food to the deceased. The tradition of celebrating and honoring ancestors appears to have persisted for centuries.

The Amazing Conservation Process of Tuna El Gebel

Tuna El Gabal stands as a celestial site of immense historical, artistic, architectural, and cultural value, which requires vigilant & efficient conservation efforts to preserve its archaeological heritage for future generations. The delicate nature of the artifacts, structures, and ancient remains necessitates careful handling and protection. Conservation measures aim to safeguard the site from environmental factors, human impact, and natural decay, ensuring its integrity and authenticity remain intact for years to come. The Egyptian government has made several efforts to protect this incredible site.