Moroccan archaeologists have announced the discovery of an ancient tomb belonging to the “Mauritanian Era,” dating back to over 2,000 years.
The ancient tomb which was discovered in the Moroccan northern city of Larache, includes the remains of an incomplete skeleton of a human whose body would have undergone an incomplete cremation, depicting ancient funeral rites in the region, according to documents released on Tuesday by the team.
Making the announcement on Tuesday, the Moroccan National Institute of Archeology and Heritage Sciences (INSAP), said emergency excavations unearthed the remains of the ancient tomb in February, adding that the excavation is part of the Ministry of Youth and Culture’s ongoing project to explore and protect Morocco’s archaeological heritage.
“INSAP took the initiative in coordination with the Directorate of Cultural Heritage to organize rescue excavations from February 10-17, 2023,” the statement said.
“Two INSAP archaeologists carried out the emergency excavation, unearthing the remains of the ancient tomb, which dates back to over 2,000. The tomb belongs to the Mauritanian period, which is prior to the Roman occupation,” the INSAP’s statement added.
“The architecture of the tomb was carefully designed, with walls built of well-cut stone blocks that were carefully assembled and adjusted.”
“The interior of the tomb includes the remains of an incomplete skeleton of a human whose body would have undergone an incomplete cremation.”
“The incomplete cremation is part of a rite of funeral documented for the first time in the region of Larache.”
“These data provided by the emergency excavations are likely to contribute to enriching our knowledge of funerary practices and religious beliefs specific to the rural society of the Loukkos basin during the Mauritanian period which extends from the 8th century BC to the year 40 AD,” the statement said.