In a discovery that bridges the gap between the opulence of gold and the immortality of world literature, an Spanish archaeological mission from the University of Barcelona and the Institute of the Ancient Near East has unveiled breathtaking secrets in Al-Bahnasa (Oxyrhynchus), Minya Governorate. This find doesn’t just reveal treasures; it rewrites our understanding of Greco-Roman funerary rites in the heart of Upper Egypt.
Voices for the Afterlife: The Golden Tongues of Oxyrhynchus
The most striking feature of this excavation was the discovery of mummies with golden tongues placed inside their mouths. This specific Roman-era ritual was deeply symbolic. Ancient Egyptians believed that a tongue made of pure gold would allow the deceased to speak eloquently before the divine court of Osiris, ensuring their safe passage and justification in the afterlife.
Beyond the tongues, the mission found mummies covered in delicate gold foil and wrapped in intricate geometric bandages. These remains were housed within wooden sarcophagi that have remarkably survived the passage of millennia, showcasing the enduring craftsmanship of the era.
The Iliad in the Heart of Minya: A Rare Literary Treasure
Perhaps the most “literary” surprise of this discovery was the recovery of a rare papyrus containing verses from Homer’s Iliad. Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, confirmed that the papyrus includes the famous “Catalogue of Ships” from Book II.
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This Homeric text—the definitive list of the Greek contingents that sailed to Troy—adds a profound global cultural dimension to Al-Bahnasa. It proves that even in rural Egyptian provinces, the epic tales of the Trojan War were studied and cherished, highlighting the cosmopolitan nature of the Greco-Roman period in Egypt.
Mysterious Rites: Incineration and Sacred Companions
The excavations also revealed a limestone trench containing three chambers that exposed a darker, more enigmatic side of ancient rituals. Archaeologists found:
- Cremation Remains: Jars containing charred human remains, a practice that coexisted with traditional mummification.
- Infant Burials: Bones of infants buried with solemnity.
- Feline Heads: Mummified heads of animals from the “Felidae” (cat) family, carefully wrapped in linen, suggesting complex sacrificial or symbolic family rituals.
The Pantheon of Art: From Harpocrates to Cupid
The site also yielded exquisite artifacts that reflect the high artistic standards of the time. Notable finds include:
- Harpocrates as a Knight: A terracotta statue of the god Harpocrates (the child Horus) depicted as a valiant knight.
- Cupid: A small bronze statue of the god of love, showcasing the blending of Egyptian and Roman mythologies.
Why Al-Bahnasa Matters Today
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, emphasized that this discovery confirms Minya’s status as a treasure trove of history. Despite some tombs (hypogea) being looted in antiquity, the remaining golden artifacts, painted sarcophagi, and immortal literary texts make this one of the most significant archaeological events in “The Bride of Upper Egypt” in recent years.
Conclusion
The Al-Bahnasa discovery serves as a reminder that the sands of Egypt still hold secrets that link the ancient world’s spiritual beliefs with its intellectual achievements. From the silent gold tongues to the epic poetry of Troy, the past continues to speak to us with unmatched brilliance.
