Ancient Roman tombs unearthed in Egypt, complete with bathroom!

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Reported by the Idaho Stateman:

Known for its white sand beaches and coastal views, the Egyptian city of Mersa Matruh is a resort town.

But centuries before it became a vacation destination, the city used its strategic location on the Mediterranean as the center of foreign trade during the Roman Empire.

Now, archaeologists have discovered evidence of this Roman presence.

Two catacomb-like tombs were unearthed in the city, holding 29 burials and a hoard of artifacts, officials said in an Aug. 15 news release from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

Staircases led to a level hallway in front of the entrance of the tombs, officials said.

Stepping into the tombs, a main burial chamber was built in a square with a vaulted ceiling, according to officials. A fake door led to a special burial for a person of prominence, with two columns and an ornate carving, officials said.

The tombs were filled with glass teardrops, altar tables that were carved and ornate and multiple statues, officials said.

One statue depicts a man in a Roman-style robe, another is a carving of a lamb, and a third is an unidentified woman, according to officials.

The tombs weren’t the only rooms discovered in Mersa Matruh.

Read more here.