Cairo - Egypt
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the success of the Egyptian archaeological mission affiliated with the Supreme Council of Antiquities in making a prominent archaeological discovery in the Bir al-Shaghla archaeological area in the Dakhla Oasis in the New Valley Governorate. It represents a pyramid-shaped cemetery built of mud brick dating back to the Roman era, designated for the burial of a man and his wife, and characterized by a unique architectural plan that combines elements of ancient Egyptian architecture with Greek and Roman influences.

Dr. Sherif Fathi, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, explained the importance of this discovery by saying:

This discovery reflects the richness and unique archaeological and cultural diversity of the Egyptian oases, and the historical evidence they bear of the succession of civilizations.

Architectural details and rare funerary texts
Dr. Hisham Al-Laithi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained that the cemetery begins with a staircase that leads to a main entrance decorated with hieroglyphic inscriptions and writings and an Egyptian cornice that includes the winged sun, in addition to a rare funerary scene representing the seventh hour of the book “Al-Imi Duat.” The excavations also resulted in the discovery of a funerary stone tablet, “Epitaph,” written in red ink in ancient Greek, dating to the late third century and the beginning of the fourth century AD, an offering table, a basin for purification, and a bronze coin of Emperor Constantine.

Support for tourism investment in Upper Egypt and the New Valley

These discoveries are of great importance in supporting the tourism investment sector and stimulating the movement of transport and travel to the governorates of Upper Egypt and the New Valley, as they open wide horizons for tourists and researchers to explore the secrets of the ancient Egyptian heritage, and confirm the ability of non-traditional archaeological destinations to attract more international delegations searching for authentic and distinctive travel experiences.

A new destination awaits the Arab tourist and promising opportunities for the investor
The Arab tourist finds in this discovery an opportunity to discover a new archaeological destination outside the traditional path of Luxor and Aswan, combining unique architecture and rare funerary texts, which makes the New Valley a suitable stop for history lovers and those looking for quiet travel experiences away from the crowds. As for the Arab investor, marketing the oases as an independent archaeological product opens promising fields in eco-hotels, specialized tours, guiding services, and desert hospitality, especially with the ministry’s direction to support non-traditional destinations and attract international delegations, which makes Upper Egypt and the New Valley an emerging tourist market that can be developed.