Archaeology Digs, LiDAR Finds and Shipwrecks — 2026-09-13

Top developments

Vibrant 4,400-Year-Old Tomb Discovered in Saqqara

On September 7, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced that a joint Spanish-Egyptian mission discovered a tomb from the late Fifth Dynasty (reign of Djedkare Isesi) in Saqqara. The tomb belongs to high-ranking officials, including a judge named Unmen and his father Itey, and features two funerary chapels with agricultural scenes and offering rituals preserved in their original colors. This find provides rare insight into the administrative structure and daily life of the Old Kingdom’s elite.

New Excavation Zones Open at Göbekli Tepe

As of September 12, a new excavation area has been opened north of the main site at Göbekli Tepe in Şanlıurfa, Turkey. Recent findings from the broader "Stone Hills" project suggest that settlement may have preceded agriculture, challenging the traditional view that farming drove the transition to sedentary life. The site, known for its massive T-shaped pillars, continues to yield evidence of complex social organization among hunter-gatherers 12,000 years ago.

Accidental Discovery of Roman Amphorae in Formentera

In early September, an oceanographic vessel accidentally snagged 26 Roman amphorae while fishing in waters off Formentera, revealing a previously unknown underwater archaeological site. The discovery highlights the fragility of submerged heritage and the role of non-archaeological vessels in uncovering hidden shipwrecks. Authorities are now assessing the site for protection under Spanish underwater cultural heritage laws.

Iberian Sculpture Head Found in "Spanish Pompeii"

Archaeologists working at the Libisosa Roman site in Albacete, often called the "Spanish Pompeii," have unearthed the limestone head of an Iberian sculpture dating back 2,400 years. The life-sized head was found in a Roman sector but predates the Roman occupation, suggesting the reuse or preservation of earlier indigenous artifacts. This find adds significant detail to the understanding of Iberian artistic traditions in central Spain.

Local view

Egypt: Local media outlets like Masrawy and Tourism Daily News have highlighted the exceptional preservation of the colors in the Saqqara tomb, emphasizing its value for tourism and educational purposes. The Arab African News reported on the specific roles of the officials buried there, noting the importance of the "Judge" title in Old Kingdom administration.

Turkey: Turkish outlets such as Sabah and Gzt are focusing on the expansion of excavation zones at Göbekli Tepe, framing it as a continuation of efforts to prove that Anatolia is the "zero point of history." The opening of the new northern sector is being watched closely by local stakeholders as a potential boost to regional heritage tourism.

Spain: Xataka reported on the accidental Formentera find with a mix of concern and fascination, noting how close modern industrial activity comes to damaging ancient sites. Meanwhile, Infobae highlighted a volunteer program for the Iberian-Roman sanctuary in Bailén, offering free accommodation and food to those helping with the September-October excavation season.

Context & numbers

• Age of Saqqara Tomb: Approximately 4,400 years old (late Fifth Dynasty).
• Amphorae Count: 26 Roman amphorae recovered from the Formentera site.
• Sculpture Age: The Iberian head in Albacete dates to approximately 2,400 years ago.
• Volunteer Season: The Bailén sanctuary excavation runs through September and October 2026.

On the radar

• Bailén Sanctuary Volunteers: Applications for the free-accommodation volunteer dig in Bailén, Spain, are currently active for the Sept-Oct season.
• Göbekli Tepe North Sector: Ongoing excavations in the newly opened northern area of Göbekli Tepe may yield further evidence on pre-agricultural settlement patterns.
• Formentera Site Protection: Spanish authorities are expected to release a preliminary assessment on the protection status of the accidentally discovered Roman wreck off Formentera.