Roman Egypt Discovery at Bahnasa

 
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Roman Egypt Discovery at Bahnasa: Gold Tongues, Gold Leaf Mummies, and an Iliad Papyrus

A stunning archaeological discovery in Bahnasa (ancient Oxyrhynchus), Minya, Egypt has revealed a rare combination of gold tongues, gold‑covered mummies, and a papyrus containing verses from Homer’s Iliad. The findings, uncovered by a Spanish archaeological mission, shed new light on the cultural and religious life of Roman‑era Egypt.

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Gold Tongues: A Ritual for the Afterlife

Archaeologists uncovered three gold tongues and one copper tongue placed inside the mouths of the deceased.

These objects were part of a ritual believed to help the dead speak before the gods in the afterlife, especially before Osiris, the ruler of the underworld.

Some mummies were found inside wooden coffins, wrapped in textiles decorated with geometric patterns, while others showed traces of gold leaf applied directly to the skin — a sign of high status and elaborate funerary preparation.

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A Papyrus from Homer’s Iliad

One of the most remarkable discoveries was a papyrus placed inside a mummy, containing lines from Book II of Homer’s Iliad.

This section, known as the Catalogue of Ships, lists the Greek forces that sailed to Troy.

The presence of this text inside a burial highlights:

• The strong influence of Greek education and literature in Roman Egypt

• The blending of Egyptian funerary customs with Greek cultural identity

• The intellectual life of Oxyrhynchus, already famous for its papyrus discoveries

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A Multi‑Layered Cemetery

The excavation also revealed:

• Mummified bodies and cremation burials, showing diverse funerary practices

• A limestone structure with three chambers containing jars of cremated remains

• Bones of infants and animals wrapped in cloth

• Terracotta and bronze figurines, including Harpocrates and Cupid, reflecting Greco‑Roman religious syncretism

Some areas showed signs of ancient looting, but the surviving material remains exceptionally rich.

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Historical Significance

Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities described the discovery as a major addition to the archaeological record of Minya.

The combination of gold tongues, gold leaf, and a Homeric papyrus makes this site one of the most culturally significant Roman‑period finds in recent years.