Complete funerary cachette uncovered at Panehsy tomb in Heliopolis necropolis - Ancient Egypt - Antiquities - Ahram Online

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Complete funerary cachette uncovered at Panehsy tomb in Heliopolis necropolis

Nevine El-Aref , Sunday 31 May 2026

A significant archaeological breakthrough has been uncovered in the historic district of Matariya, Ain Shams, where excavations at the tomb of “Panehsy” have revealed the first nearly complete funerary furniture set ever discovered in the area, alongside a trove of rare artefacts that shed new light on burial practices across centuries.

The discovery, made by an Egyptian archaeological mission affiliated with the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), offers fresh insight into the ancient necropolis of Heliopolis, one of the most important religious centres of the ancient world.

The find underscores the growing success of Egyptian-led excavations in “re-reading” the historical and cultural legacy of Heliopolis as the newly uncovered objects provide a more detailed understanding of both daily life and funerary traditions spanning multiple historical periods.

Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the SCA, explained that excavations uncovered a mudbrick burial containing human skeletal remains, and continued careful excavation beneath it led to the discovery of a concealed archaeological cachette featuring a distinguished collection of cosmetic tools and symbolic objects associated with funerary practices.

Among the standout artefacts is a copper mirror, along with two alabaster kohl containers still preserving traces of cosmetic material. 

A third kohl container, crafted from rare black obsidian, adds particular significance due to the rarity of the material in similar archaeological contexts.

The excavation team also uncovered two light-blue faience vessels. One vessel contained six intricately inscribed scarabs, including two encased in yellow metal frames believed to be gold.

Mohamed Abdel Badie, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, stated that the cachette also included a collection of faience amulets in symbolic forms, including a duck-shaped amulet and another representing the Atef crown. The discovery further revealed four stones, two of which are believed to be carnelian, one pinkish-red and encased in a yellow metal frame likely made of gold, and another with a greenish-blue hue.

Archaeologists also recovered a notable collection of yellow-colored metal earrings, consisting of five pairs of varying sizes, believed to be made of gold, with diameters ranging between 1.5 and 2.5 centimetres.

Abdel Badie added that the discovery builds on earlier excavation results at the site this season, which revealed mudbrick and limestone funerary structures, as well as two coffins found in a fragmented, stacked condition. One coffin was made of pottery, while the other, constructed from plaster with a gilded appearance and decorated with red inscriptions, contained gilded remains believed to belong to a military figure, along with a coin possibly dating to the Roman period.

“Additional limestone blocks bearing hieroglyphic inscriptions were also uncovered, further enhancing the archaeological significance of the site and supporting efforts to better understand its chronological and cultural development,” he said.

The necropolis where the tomb of “Panehsy” is located represents a vital archaeological record documenting the different periods the area has witnessed, having served as a burial ground for prominent individuals from the Late Period through the Roman era and into the Christian period.

The site forms part of the greater necropolis of ancient Heliopolis, historically known as “Oun,” the principal religious center for the worship of the sun god Re, giving the discovery particular importance in understanding the evolution of funerary practices, religious beliefs, and social structures in one of ancient Egypt’s most sacred cities.

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Rare find in Egypt reveals cartouche of Senusret III, marble head of Aphrodite, and unpublished structures of a Roman basilica in the ancient city of Ihnasya, in Beni Suef - CPG Click Oil and Gas

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Rare find in Egypt reveals cartouche of Senusret III, marble head of Aphrodite, and unpublished structures of a Roman basilica in the ancient city of Ihnasya, in Beni Suef

Written by Romário Pereira de Carvalho

Published on 02/06/2026 at 16:41

Excavations in Ihnasya, Egypt, revealed inscription linked to Senusret III, marble head of Aphrodite, structures of a Roman basilica, and remains showing the religious, political, and economic importance of the ancient city

Excavations in Ihnasya, an ancient city in the province of Beni Suef, Egypt, revealed a rare find of artifacts from different periods, including an inscription linked to Pharaoh Senusret III, a marble head of Aphrodite, and new parts of a Roman basilica, expanding the understanding of the religious, political, and economic importance of the site.

General photograph of the excavation site / Credit: Disclosure/Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt

Rare find of Senusret III inscription reinforces religious significance of Ihnasya

One of the main finds is a reused stone block with the cartouche of Senusret III, ruler of the Twelfth Dynasty. The inscription preserves both the throne name and the birth name of the pharaoh.

The discovery gains relevance because Senusret III was already associated with other monuments found in the region.

The new record strengthens the connection between the pharaoh and Ihnasya, a city that played an important role in different phases of Egyptian history.

Archaeologists also identified another cartouche related to Osiris-Nefertem, a deity worshiped in the area.

The presence of this reference reinforces the religious character of the city and shows how its places of worship spanned different historical periods.

Known by the Greeks as Heracleopolis Magna, Ihnasya maintained regional importance even after ceasing to be a capital.

The set of finds helps explain why the site remains relevant for the study of urban, religious, and political organization of ancient Egypt.

Roman basilica used parts of dismantled Doric temple

The excavations also revealed previously unknown sections of a Roman basilica. During the work, archaeologists identified that elements of an ancient Doric temple were dismantled and reused in the construction of the religious building.

Preliminary analyses indicate that, in the 6th century AD, the builders incorporated parts of this earlier structure into the foundations and floor that supported the basilica’s columns.

The reuse of materials shows an important transformation in the use of public and religious spaces in Ihnasya.

Large stone blocks were arranged to form a base capable of supporting monumental columns.

Some of these columns are estimated to weigh around 45 tons. Three of them remain preserved in their original positions, which helps researchers study the techniques used in the construction and adaptation of the building.

Head of Aphrodite and inscription of Senusret III / Credit: Disclosure/Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt

Head of Aphrodite is considered rare at the archaeological site

Another highlight of the excavations in Ihnasya is a marble head representing Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. The piece measures approximately 24 by 25 centimeters.

The sculpture preserves refined details, such as facial features and sculpted curls. According to archaeologists, the piece follows common characteristics of classical representations of deities and prominent figures of the Greco-Roman world.

The material was classified as a rare example among the finds already identified at the archaeological site. Its presence broadens the picture of cultural influences recorded in Ihnasya over time.

The discovery also reinforces the presence of Greco-Roman elements in the city, which underwent successive religious, architectural, and institutional transformations.

Coin molds indicate economic activity in the Roman period

In addition to the inscription of Senusret III, the head of Aphrodite, and the structures of the Roman basilica, archaeologists located fragments of sculpted reliefs, decorated architectural elements, and clay molds used in coin production.

These materials indicate that Ihnasya remained active and economically relevant long after the end of the pharaonic era.

The presence of the molds points to activities related to monetary production during the Roman period.

The set of evidence helps reconstruct the city’s trajectory over more than a millennium. The discoveries show changes in religious practices, architecture, and public institutions, reflecting the influence of different cultures.

The recovered materials are still under analysis and will undergo new dating studies. Researchers hope to more precisely understand how Ihnasya transformed and how its inhabitants responded to the political, religious, and cultural changes throughout Egypt’s long history.

This article was prepared based on information from Archaeology News and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt, with data, numbers, and statements preserved as per the consulted material.

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