The Early Roman Necropolis of Ancient Philadelphia cover

Published:31/03/2026Language:EnglishPages:164, Illustrated throughout in black & white and colour.BAR Number: S3261Series: BAR International Series

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The Early Roman Necropolis of Ancient Philadelphia

Name: The Early Roman Necropolis of Ancient Philadelphia
SKU: The Early Roman Necropolis of Ancient Philadelphia
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Results from the 2019-2024 excavations

Written by Basem Gehad

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Description

This volume presents the first comprehensive archaeological study of the Roman period necropolis of ancient Philadelphia in the Fayoum, the site long associated with the famed “Er-Rubbayāt” mummy portraits. Drawing on excavations between 2019 and 2024, it reconstructs the funerary landscape of a multicultural community living at the crossroads of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman traditions. Through detailed analysis of tomb architecture, burial assemblages, mummification practices, ceramics, papyri, and newly discovered mummy portraits, the book restores crucial context to material long dispersed across museums and collections. It reveals a cemetery shaped by complex social identities, evolving artistic practices, and a vibrant local economy of funerary production. By integrating archaeological, osteological, and archival evidence, this study fills a major gap in Roman Egyptian scholarship and offers a new view of daily life, death, and cultural interaction in a provincial village of the ancient world.

About the Author

Basem Gehad is an Egyptian archaeologist and archaeometrist affiliated with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities He holds a doctoral degree from Cairo University, and serves as director of the excavation project at the ancient necropolis of Philadelphia. He is also co-director of the Egyptian–American mission at Hermopolis Magna (Al-Ashmunien), and since 2019 has been a corresponding member of the German Archaeological Institute (DAI).

Reviews

‘This volume provides a very welcome and valuable insight into ancient Philadelphia, one of the earliest Ptolemaic foundations in the Fayoum on reclaimed lands.’ Professor Salima Ikram, The American University in Cairo

‘This volume sets a new benchmark for archaeological publications in Roman Egypt. Its integration of architecture, burial practices, material culture, and mummy portraits in context makes it an essential resource for scholars of the ancient Mediterranean.’ Dr Hesham Hussein, Supreme Council of Antiquities

‘The data is brand new and contributes much to the field, particularly in relation to the site of Philadelphia and the funerary context of those buried there. It also presents the most up-to-date examples of mummy portraiture found in the Fayoum. It has the potential to reshape how we understand the meaning and purpose of mummy portrait panels and their owners.’ Dr Louise O’Brien, University of Liverpool

‘The study presents important new information about burials in Roman Egypt and shows the fusion of local Egyptian and Greco-Roman traditions in architecture and burial customs. The book offers valuable data for both archaeologists and historians interested in Graeco-Roman Egypt, burial traditions, and cultural exchange in ancient times.’ Professor Youssri Abdelwahed, Minia University