Berenike of Blemmyes: post-Roman transformation of a Red Sea port in the Eastern Desert of Egypt

This study presents the results of archaeological excavations conducted in November/December 2024 at the post-Roman (late fourth to fifth centuries AD) Cemeteries N1–N2 at Berenike, a major port on Egypt’s Red Sea coast. Research there seeks to reconstruct the spatial organisation, chronology and historical significance of these burial grounds and to reassess the role of indigenous Eastern Desert communities in the site’s later historical trajectory following the decline of Roman control. A detailed analysis of spatial relationships between chamber tombs and surrounding shaft graves reveals a socially structured mortuary landscape. Simultaneously, the consistent eastward orientation of tomb entrances and the intentional placement of graves to preserve visual connections with the post-Roman settlement indicate shared cultural principles governing mortuary location and perceptions of the landscape. By situating Cemeteries N1–N2 within broader regional and Red Sea contexts, this study demonstrates that the proliferation of new burial forms at Berenike coincided with significant political, demographic and economic transformations in the Eastern Desert. The findings highlight the growing archaeological visibility of indigenous communities and underscore their agency in transforming Berenike from a Roman-controlled emporium into a locally governed port integrated within Red Sea networks.