A Report on a Mid-Ptolemaic Graveyard with Gable-roof Coffins from Ancient Philadelphia

The burial ground in ancient Philadelphia necropolis is thought to be the only source for the ancient population that lived during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods at this village. During the Egyptian mission’s excavation work at the ancient Philadelphia necropolis, a set of exceptionally preserved burials dating back to the mid Ptolemaic period were revealed. Individual burials were discovered in the graves, with some of them placed within rare instances of gabled roof shaped coffin lids, some of which were also painted and decorated with Hellenistic themes. Various findings in this well-secured context show various burial rituals and funeral art in Egypt at this period.