Egyptian archaeologists have unearthed ancient rock-cut tombs and burial shafts near Luxor, dating back over 3,600 years. The discoveries, made at the causeway of Queen Hatshepsut's temple, shed light on ancient Egyptian funerary practices and daily life.
The finds, announced Wednesday, were made through a collaborative effort between the Zahi Hawass Foundation and the Supreme Council of Antiquities. Excavations began in September 2022. Artifacts uncovered include bronze coins depicting Alexander the Great, children's toys, cartonnage, funerary masks, winged scarabs, beads, and amulets.
The unearthed artifacts reveal details of ancient Egyptian daily life and social structures. For instance, the discovery of war archery bows in some burial shafts suggests the individuals interred there had military backgrounds. Pottery tables, used for offerings, were also unearthed.
Importantly, some of the tombs, particularly those from the Middle Kingdom, had been plundered in the Ptolemaic period. Nevertheless, Egyptian archaeologists recovered significant artifacts, providing valuable insight into their activities.
Researchers also uncovered parts of Queen Hatshepsut's Valley Temple and the Assassif Ptolemaic Necropolis. Interestingly, portions of this necropolis were unearthed earlier but not thoroughly documented. This new excavation provides a more complete picture of the ancient site.
The discoveries add to a series of significant archaeological findings in the Luxor region. In a separate development, Egyptian and American archaeologists recently unearthed a tomb with eleven sealed burials near Luxor, further enriching our understanding of the area's historical significance.
