Archaeologists unearth ancient treasure cache at biblical city connected to Genesis

The artifacts were found at the Panhesy tomb site in the Matariya archaeological section of Ain Shams, within the Heliopolis necropolis.

Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the find on May 31.

The cemetery was used from Egypt's Late Period through the Roman era and into the Christian period, though officials did not provide a specific date for the newly discovered cache.

Genesis 41:45 notes that Joseph's wife, Asenath, was the daughter of Potipherah, a priest of the city.

Pictures released by officials show the earrings along with carved scarabs and other small artifacts, as well as cosmetic containers and a copper mirror.

Archaeologists uncovered two alabaster kohl containers with traces of ancient eye makeup and a third kohl container crafted from black obsidian.

Excavators also found four stones, two of which are believed to be agate, a semi-precious gemstone that was widely used in the ancient world.

Officials noted that the cache was the "first nearly complete funerary assemblage ever discovered in the area."

The discovery "builds upon earlier findings at the site during the current excavation season, including mudbrick and limestone funerary structures and two coffins found in fragmented condition," said the tourism ministry.

"The Panhesy cemetery is particularly significant because it served as a burial ground for prominent individuals across multiple eras, from Egypt's Late Period through the Roman era and into the Christian period," the statement said.