Our archaeological expedition has just commenced work at the Roman-period (1st–2nd century CE) animal necropolis in Berenike, Egypt. The project—a consortium of the Institute of Archaeology at the University of Wrocław and the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology at the University of Warsaw, led by Professor Marta Osypińska—is an exciting endeavour for enthusiasts of antiquity and… animals alike!

Research conducted under the grant titled Non-humans in Berenike society. Archaeozoological data for a discourse on ancient identity and value is yielding invaluable data on ancient cats, dogs, and monkeys, as well as their relationships with humans in Roman Egypt. Last season, over 200 animal burials were uncovered, along with remarkable artefacts such as papyri, ceramics from India, jewellery, and textiles. A particularly intriguing discovery was the burial of two young bulls, whose ochre-coloured heads were covered with amphorae. The stratigraphy of the site suggests a link to the sacralisation of a ritual space at the centre of the animal necropolis.

This site offers a true feast for bioarchaeologists: long-haired cats, monkeys with myrrh-coated feet, wooden artefacts from Central Africa and India, cedar cones, coconut shell fragments, walnuts and figs, baskets, woven muzzles for camels, necklaces adorning feline necks, and even evidence of human diseases in animals—just to name a few of the fascinating finds.

This season promises to be just as exciting, with 3D documentation, infrared imaging, and the collaboration of an international team of specialists—this is only the beginning! Among the expedition members is Łukasz Haba, a doctoral candidate in history and a graduate in classical philology from our university, who secured funding through the IDUB scholarship programme.

Meanwhile, two of Professor Osypińska’s master’s students have arrived in Cairo, having been awarded the prestigious NAWA scholarship at the research station of the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology. For the next two months, they will be gathering material for their Master’s theses in the very heart of Egyptian archaeology.

Keep your fingers crossed for our discoveries and the well-being of the expedition members in the Eastern Desert!