Discovery of ancient cemetery in Beheir govern orate

An Egyptian archaeological expedition announced yesterday the discovery of a Roman era cemetery in the district of Beheira Govemorate.

"Tombs in the ancient cemetery contained rare earthenware coffins dating back to the Roman era, some of which had anthropomorphic designs and others engraved with painted inscriptions ," Secretary-General of the of Antiquities (SCA) Gaballah Ali Gaballah said.

Pottery and earthenware utensils of various shapes were also found in the tombs, which are themselves of unusual design.

"The cemetery may have been for public use" as the tombs did not contain statues of deities," noted archaeologist Mohammed Ibrahim. He said another cemetery was discovered recently just east of the site and also dates back to the Roman era.