Ancient Roman tombs — and complete bathroom — unearthed in Egypt. Take a look inside
Known for its white sand beaches and coastal views, the Egyptian city of Mersa Matruh is a resort town.
But centuries before it became a vacation destination, the city used its strategic location on the Mediterranean as the center of foreign trade during the Roman Empire.
Now, archaeologists have discovered evidence of this Roman presence.
Two catacomb-like tombs were unearthed in the city, holding 29 burials and a hoard of artifacts, officials said in an Aug. 15 news release from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
Staircases led to a level hallway in front of the entrance of the tombs, officials said.
Stepping into the tombs, a main burial chamber was built in a square with a vaulted ceiling, according to officials. A fake door led to a special burial for a person of prominence, with two columns and an ornate carving, officials said.
The tombs were filled with glass teardrops, altar tables that were carved and ornate and multiple statues, officials said.
One statue depicts a man in a Roman-style robe, another is a carving of a lamb, and a third is an unidentified woman, according to officials.
The tombs weren’t the only rooms discovered in Mersa Matruh.
Nearby, archaeologists uncovered what is believed to be a Roman bathroom, complete with a reception room, rooms for showers, closets and water drainage areas, officials said.
Egypt fell under Roman rule at the end of Cleopatra’s reign in 30 B.C., according to Britannica.
Members of the royal families would visit Egypt throughout multiple political changes, according to Britannica, long before it became a tourist spot today.
Mersa Matruh is on the northwestern coast of Egypt, on the Mediterranean Sea.
Facebook Translate and Google Translate were used to translate the news release from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
This story was originally published August 21, 2024 at 2:33 PM with the headline "Ancient Roman tombs — and complete bathroom — unearthed in Egypt. Take a look inside."
