Brief
Ancient Greek poem uncovered in 1,700‑year‑old Egyptian tomb
The tomb, dated to the late 3rd‑early 4th century AD, contained a stone plaque with a Greek poem addressed to a father, officials said.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Archaeologists working for Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the discovery of a limestone tomb in the western desert’s New Valley region, dated to about 1,700 years ago. The tomb, described as pyramid‑shaped, held a stone plaque bearing a 19‑line mourning poem in Old Greek, dedicated to a man named Bisichthes and addressed by his son Sarapion, who urges his father to "Listen, father!".
The excavation also revealed a bronze coin with the name of Roman emperor Constantine, a sandstone washing basin, pottery and hieroglyphic spells meant to protect the deceased. Sherif Fathi, Egypt’s minister of tourism and antiquities, said the find offers insight into funerary rituals under Roman rule, while Hisham Al‑Lithi, secretary‑general of Egypt’s supreme council of antiquities, highlighted the multicultural character of the region during that period.
Key facts
- The tomb dates to the late 3rd‑early 4th century AD (about 1,700 years old). (independent.co.uk)
- A 19‑line Old Greek poem on a stone plaque is addressed to a man named Bisichthes by his son Sarapion. (independent.co.uk)
- A bronze coin bearing Emperor Constantine’s inscription was among the finds. (independent.co.uk)
- Sherif Fathi and Hisham Al‑Lithi commented on the discovery for the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Ancient Egyptian tomb with 1,700-year-old Greek poem unearthed: ‘Listen, father!’”
