Major Archaeological Discoveries in Egypt
Archaeologists in Egypt have made a series of remarkable discoveries, shedding new light on the country’s rich historical heritage. Among the most notable finds are a marble head of Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty, along with Pharaonic funerary furniture and the remains of a Roman basilica. These findings are part of a broader governmental initiative aimed at revitalizing Egypt’s tourism industry and boosting its economy.
The discoveries come at a crucial time, following the recent inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza Pyramids. This state-of-the-art facility is expected to attract millions of visitors and serve as a major cultural and economic hub for the region.
Unearthing History in Beni Suef Province
The marble head of Aphrodite and the remains of the Roman basilica were found in an ancient necropolis within the Beni Suef province, approximately 80 miles south of Cairo. This site, known as Ehnasiya or by its Roman name Heracleópolis Magna, was once one of the most significant cities in ancient Egypt.
Mohammed Abdel-Badei, head of the antiquities department at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, described the discovery of massive stone blocks that once supported the basilica’s columns. Some of these blocks still stand in their original positions, highlighting the architectural prowess of the time. The Aphrodite head, measuring about 9½ by nearly 10 inches, showcases intricate facial features and curly hair, reflecting classical Greek and Roman artistic traditions.
Insights into Ancient Rulers
Further excavations at Ehnasiya revealed inscriptions linked to Senusret III, a notable ruler of Egypt’s Middle Kingdom from the 12th Dynasty (1837-1819 B.C.). These inscriptions include his throne and birth names, offering valuable insights into the reign of this important figure.
In addition to these inscriptions, archaeologists uncovered fragments of wall statues and terracotta molds believed to have been used for coin crafting during the Roman period. These artifacts suggest that Ehnasiya was a vibrant economic and commercial hub when Egypt was part of the Roman Empire between 30 B.C. and A.D. 395.
Excavations in Cairo’s Matariya Neighborhood
Meanwhile, in Cairo’s Matariya neighborhood, once part of the ancient city of Heliopolis, archaeologists uncovered a nearly complete set of funerary furniture. This included a mudbrick burial with gilded remains in a coffin, thought to belong to a military figure. Alongside the burial, they found a cache of cosmetic tools such as a copper mirror and alabaster kohl containers. A collection of five pairs of yellow-colored metal earrings, varying in size and believed to be gold, was also among the finds.
Boosting Tourism and Economic Growth
These latest archaeological revelations are strategically aimed at bolstering Egypt’s vital tourism sector, which relies heavily on antiquities sightseeing. The industry has faced considerable challenges, enduring political turmoil and violence following the 2011 uprising, and more recently, recovering from the coronavirus pandemic and the economic fallout of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Despite these hurdles, official figures indicate a record 19 million tourists visited Egypt last year, marking a 21% increase from the prior year. The first four months of 2026 saw 6.1 million tourists, compared with 5.7 million during the same period in 2025, according to the prime minister’s office.
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