DOI article:
Daszewski, Wiktor Andrzej: Marina el-Alamein 1991
DOI Page / Citation link:https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.26426#0038
The skeletons were found in disarray outside the loculi, in the sand
filling the burial chamber. Of the slabs closing the loculi was
found in place. An interesting matter was observed in the opening
of one of the loculi: instead of a slab closing it, there were traces
of wooden pegs in the upper comers and above the upper edge,
presumably evidence of some kind of curtain once screening the
opening.
A trench excavated along the wall protecting the court of
tomb T7 from windblown sand, yielded pottery, mainly Cypriot
sigillata and lamps of the 1 st century A.D.
The fourth and last sector of excavations was located north of
tomb T7 (Fig. 1). Further data was provided conceming the nature
and extent of the westem necropolis. A rectangular aboveground
mausoleum (10.20 x 7.60 m) was discovered here, together with
a flight of rockcut stairs leading down to unexcavated courtyard
and burial chamber(s). In the westem end there was a reception
hall with two wide banquet benches. The presumably flat ceiling
was supported on four columns in the comers of the benches. The
eastem part of the stmcture was composed of three small units
serving as sleeping and storage areas. The main entrance in the
northem wall had the appearance of a wide gate framed by
pilasters and crowned with a dentil comice.
In summary, the results of this season’s excavations have fully
confirmed earlier observations conceming the monumental
character of the necropolis complex, the high quality of the
architecture and the wealth of the inhabitants of the ancient city.
Imported pottery as well as lamps once again attested to developed
trade with foreign territories. The discovery of mummies in tomb
S6 raises hopes of further interesting finds in tombs yet to be
uncovered, assuming of course that climate and human vices
personified by grave robbers have not destroyed everything of
value.
36
filling the burial chamber. Of the slabs closing the loculi was
found in place. An interesting matter was observed in the opening
of one of the loculi: instead of a slab closing it, there were traces
of wooden pegs in the upper comers and above the upper edge,
presumably evidence of some kind of curtain once screening the
opening.
A trench excavated along the wall protecting the court of
tomb T7 from windblown sand, yielded pottery, mainly Cypriot
sigillata and lamps of the 1 st century A.D.
The fourth and last sector of excavations was located north of
tomb T7 (Fig. 1). Further data was provided conceming the nature
and extent of the westem necropolis. A rectangular aboveground
mausoleum (10.20 x 7.60 m) was discovered here, together with
a flight of rockcut stairs leading down to unexcavated courtyard
and burial chamber(s). In the westem end there was a reception
hall with two wide banquet benches. The presumably flat ceiling
was supported on four columns in the comers of the benches. The
eastem part of the stmcture was composed of three small units
serving as sleeping and storage areas. The main entrance in the
northem wall had the appearance of a wide gate framed by
pilasters and crowned with a dentil comice.
In summary, the results of this season’s excavations have fully
confirmed earlier observations conceming the monumental
character of the necropolis complex, the high quality of the
architecture and the wealth of the inhabitants of the ancient city.
Imported pottery as well as lamps once again attested to developed
trade with foreign territories. The discovery of mummies in tomb
S6 raises hopes of further interesting finds in tombs yet to be
uncovered, assuming of course that climate and human vices
personified by grave robbers have not destroyed everything of
value.
36