Egypt reveals new collection of ancient artifacts to enhance tourism efforts.
Cairo (Media News Source) — A recent archaeological dig in Egypt has yielded a remarkable trove of ancient artifacts, including Pharaonic funerary furniture, remnants of a Roman basilica, and a marble head of Aphrodite, the classical goddess of love and beauty. The findings, reported by the Tourism and Antiquities Ministry, were unveiled on a Sunday, highlighting the ongoing efforts of the Egyptian government to rejuvenate the country’s tourism sector and stimulate its struggling economy.
These discoveries are strategically timed, coinciding with the recent grand opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, a long-anticipated megaproject situated near the iconic Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx. This state-of-the-art museum is designed to enhance Egypt’s appeal as a premier tourist destination.
The archaeological site in question is the Ehnasiya necropolis, formerly known as Heracleópolis Magna, located approximately 130 kilometers (80 miles) south of Cairo. This ancient city was once a significant hub during Egypt’s rich history. Archaeologists, led by Mohammed Abdel-Badei, who heads the antiquities department at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, unearthed large stone blocks that supported the basilica’s columns, some weighing up to 45 tons. Remarkably, three of these blocks remain standing in their original positions, underscoring the engineering prowess of the time.
In addition to the architectural remnants, a marble head of Aphrodite measuring about 24 centimeters by 25 centimeters was also discovered, showcasing the intricate artistry characteristic of the Greek and Roman eras. Furthermore, the excavation revealed inscriptions pertaining to the Pharaoh Senusret III, a prominent ruler from Egypt’s Middle Kingdom, highlighting the area’s historical significance.
Alongside these findings, fragments of wall statues and terracotta molds believed to have been used in coin production during the Roman period were uncovered, suggesting that Ehnasiya functioned as an important economic and commercial center during the Roman Empire’s influence over Egypt.
In Cairo, archaeologists also made significant discoveries in the Matariya neighborhood, part of the ancient city of Heliopolis, where they found a nearly complete set of funerary artifacts within a mudbrick burial. Among the items were gilded remains in a coffin, presumed to belong to a military figure, and a collection of cosmetic items, including a copper mirror and alabaster kohl containers.
Moreover, a set of five pairs of yellow metal earrings thought to be crafted from gold was also uncovered. These latest archaeological finds, emerging in Beni Suef and Cairo, are part of the government’s broader initiative to revitalize the tourism industry, which has faced significant challenges following years of political instability and violence since the 2011 uprising.
Recently, tourism in Egypt has shown signs of recovery, with approximately 19 million tourists recorded in the previous year—an increase of 21% from 2024—as the country gradually rebounds from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic and the economic ramifications linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, both of which disrupted tourism flows. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, the nation welcomed 6.1 million tourists, demonstrating an upward trend in visitor numbers compared to 5.7 million during the same period in 2025.
