|
This site served as a necropolis
for the ancient city of Hermopolis during the Ptolemaic/Greco-Roman
eras.
The necropolis is about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) to the west
of Hermopolis.
Aside from tombs made for humans, which are very well arranged
in streets and alleys, there is a huge hypogeal catacombs
for thousands of mummified ibises and baboons, which were
considered incarnations of God Thot .
Also in the necropolis there are remains of Christian basilica
(See Image 1) and Roman
waterworks that has a 30-meter depth well and a waterwheel
(See Image 2).
Expeditions are still ongoing in the site, and there is currently
a joint Egyptian-German team carries out excavations.
Among the recent discoveries is a huge mud-brick structure
that dates back to the Ptolemaic era. That building has more
than 50 rooms and chapels.
Tuna El-Gabal is indeed an ideal site for illustrating the
amazing blend between the Egyptian, Greek and Roman cultures.
|
