Desert Excavations Reveal Lost Byzantine Settlement and Sealed Tombs with Gold Tongue Amulets

Egyptian archaeologists have uncovered two major discoveries in the Dakhla Oasis region of the western desert, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced. The finds include a previously unknown Byzantine-era city from the 4th century C.E. and a set of sealed tombs from the Ptolemaic and Roman periods, according to popularmechanics.com.

popularmechanics.comArchaeologists Just Found an Ancient City Beneath the Desert—and Bodies with ‘Golden Tongues’

The Byzantine settlement sheds light on urban patterns in the region during late antiquity. The newly unearthed city adds to understanding of how communities adapted to the desert environment, popularmechanics.com reported.

"Two discoveries reveal a hidden Byzantine settlement and sealed tombs containing gold amulets."

Even more striking are the grave goods found inside the sealed tombs, which included amulets designed to cover the tongues of the deceased. The practice reflects ancient beliefs about the afterlife and the ability of the dead to speak or make offerings. "gold amulets placed on the tongues of the deceased." :: popularmechanics.com

The announcements came within hours of each other, underscoring the richness of Egypt's archaeological landscape. Both urban settlement patterns and funerary customs are now better understood through these back-to-back revelations, popularmechanics.com noted.