In 2019, archaeologists made a significant discovery in Egypt’s ancient city of Aswan—a massive burial site they dubbed the “City of the Dead.” Over the past five years, continued excavations have revealed a vast necropolis covering an area of 270,000 square feet, containing over 900 ancient skeletons. In June 2024, researchers announced the discovery of at least 33 more tombs, each containing the remains of 30 to 40 individuals.
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 Aswan’s ancient inhabitants. The necropolis offers a unique glimpse into the social hierarchy of the time, with elites buried near the top of the hill and the middle class below them. A significant number of the remains, roughly 30 to 40 percent, belong to young adults and infants, suggesting that infectious diseases and other health issues played a major role in the lives of these people.
Among the newly uncovered remains are those of a woman and child encased together in a stone coffin. Archaeologists also found colorful cartonnage fragments, clay and stone figurines, wooden coffins, and offering tables, indicating the burial customs of the period. Additionally, signs of skeletal disorders, anemia, malnutrition, respiratory diseases, tuberculosis, and osteoporosis were observed in some mummies, providing insights into the health conditions of Aswan’s ancient population.
Aswan was a major center of economic and military power 4,500 years ago, serving as a strategic gateway for ancient Egypt. Located on the east bank of the Nile, it facilitated trade between Egypt and Nubia (modern-day Sudan) and was inhabited by diverse groups, including Egyptians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, and subtropical Africans. This diverse population contributed to Aswan’s status as an early “melting pot” of cultures.
To honor the legacy of Aswan and its people, the archaeologists involved in this project have committed to respectful treatment of the remains. Well-preserved mummies will be stored in a museum-owned warehouse, while others will be laid back in their original resting place after cleaning the tombs. 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 insights into the ancient city of Aswan, revealing not only the burial practices and health of its people but also the complex social and cultural dynamics of this ancient Egyptian hub.
