Beyond the Asclepieion: An Anubis Sanctuary and a Mummification Workshop in the Mountain of Athribis (Upper Egypt)

Abstract

This paper examines the archaeological site of Athribis in Upper Egypt, focusing on a monumental complex located within the mountain necropolis. The most famous element of this structure is the rock temple of Asclepius, with its Graeco-Roman style façade. This paper demonstrates that the speos of Asclepius is not an isolated structure but the centre of a larger complex, including a walled forecourt and a rock-cut sanctuary dedicated to Anubis. It makes the case that the shared ritual space between the Asclepieion and the Anubieion reflects cultic links between the Greek god and the Egyptian. Another key discovery within the complex is a rock-cut chamber including a stone bench with traces of mummification resin and linen. These findings strongly indicate that the place was used for embalming. Thus, the study highlights Athribis as a significant site for understanding the intersection of Greek and Egyptian religious traditions and offers new perspectives on the design and function of mummification workshops throughout Egyptian history.