Marina el alamein: An Egyptian archaeological mission working in the ancient city of Marina El Alamein on Egypt's northwestern coast has made a significant discovery, uncovering 18 ancient tombs, in addition to several surface burials, sarcophagi, and archaeological artifacts during excavation work at the site. The mission also uncovered remains of the ancient city's extensions and architectural components, bringing the total number of tombs discovered in the area since the site was first identified in 1986 to 44.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the discovery further underscores the site's importance as one of the most prominent ancient coastal cities on the Mediterranean. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy stated that the discovery represents an important scientific and archaeological addition that will contribute to a better understanding of the cultural identity of the inhabitants of ancient Marina El Alamein and help reassess its historical role as a cultural and civilizational center linking Egypt with the Mediterranean world.
The Tourism Ministry attaches great importance to the ongoing scientific excavations at the site in preparation for its opening to visitors, noting that the project will introduce a new cultural tourism destination alongside the beach tourism for which Egypt's North Coast is well known. Meanwhile, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Hisham el Leithy mentioned that the site's development project includes the construction of a visitor center, electric vehicle and pedestrian pathways, a museum storage facility, an administrative headquarters, and an open-air theater.
He added that development work is expected to be completed during the first half of 2027, transforming Marina El Alamein into a fully integrated archaeological and tourist destination. The newly uncovered remains include 11 rock-cut tombs (hypogea) with an average depth of eight meters, in addition to seven surface tombs built of limestone. Some of the tombs are in an exceptional state of preservation, with sealed burial chambers closed by stone slabs that have remained unopened since ancient times.
Excavations also revealed numerous surface burials surrounding the tombs, reflecting the social diversity of the city's inhabitants. Archaeologists further discovered a water well that had been reused for burial purposes during a later period, providing clear evidence of the continued influence of ancient Egyptian funerary traditions during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. The excavation also yielded a distinguished collection of archaeological finds, including complete and nearly complete pottery vessels, amphorae, oil lamps, plates, limestone altars and basins, as well as a number of architectural elements associated with the tombs.