Shocking Discovery! Over 900 Ancient Skeletons Unearthed in Egypt’s Mysterious ‘City of the Dead’: What Dark Secrets Will They Reveal?

In 2019, archaeologists made a significant discovery in the ancient Egyptian city of Aswan: a massive burial site they dubbed the “City of the Dead.” Over the past five years, ongoing excavations have revealed a vast necropolis covering an area of 270,000 square feet and containing more than 900 ancient skeletons. In June 2024, researchers announced the discovery of at least 33 more tombs, each containing the remains of 30 to 40 people.

The “City of the Dead” is situated on a hill near the mausoleum of Aga Khan III, with tombs stacked in terraces. This burial site was used for over 900 years, shedding light on the history and lives of the ancient inhabitants of Aswan. The necropolis offers a unique insight into the social hierarchy of the time, with the elites buried near the top of the hill and the middle class below them. A significant number of the remains – approximately 30 to 40 percent – belong to young adults and infants, suggesting that infectious diseases and other health problems played a significant role in the lives of these people.

Among the newly discovered remains were those of a woman and a child enclosed together in a stone coffin. Archaeologists also found fragments of coloured cartonnage, clay and stone figurines, wooden coffins and offering tables, indicating the funerary customs of the time. In addition, signs of skeletal disorders, anaemia, malnutrition, respiratory diseases, tuberculosis and osteoporosis were observed in some mummies, providing insight into the health conditions of the ancient population of Aswan.

4,500 years ago, Aswan was a major center of economic and military power, and served as a strategic gateway to ancient Egypt. Located on the eastern bank of the Nile, it facilitated trade between Egypt and Nubia (present-day Sudan) and was inhabited by diverse groups, including Egyptians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, and subtropical Africans. This diverse population contributed to Aswan being considered an early “melting pot” of cultures.

To honour the legacy of Aswan and its people, the archaeologists involved in this project have pledged to treat the remains with respect. Well-preserved mummies will be stored in a museum-owned warehouse, while others will be placed in their original resting place after the tombs are cleaned. This careful approach aims to uncover and preserve the stories of Aswan’s ancient inhabitants for future generations.

The discovery of the “City of the Dead” continues to offer invaluable information about the ancient city of Aswan, revealing not only the funerary practices and health of its people, but also the complex social and cultural dynamics of this ancient Egyptian center.