18 ancient tombs discovered on Egypt's Mediterranean coast, including 'golden tongues'

Explanation

In July 2026, Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the discovery of 18 tombs from the Greco-Roman period, nearly 2,000 years old, at the ancient coastal city of Marina el-Alamein on the Mediterranean Sea. The find comprises 11 underground tombs carved into rock and 7 above-ground tombs built of stone, with gold ornaments known as "golden tongues" placed in the mouths of the deceased. This is believed to have been a funerary ritual in ancient Egypt intended to help the dead speak safely in the afterlife. Gold pieces shaped like the Eye of Horus were also found.