Move FM Global News

CAIRO, Egypt: Egypt has revealed three newly discovered tombs in the Dra Abu al-Naga necropolis in Luxor. These tombs, found by Egyptian archaeologists, date back to the New Kingdom period (1550–1070 B.C.). Inscriptions found inside the tombs helped experts identify the names and titles of the people buried there, according to a statement from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said more research on other inscriptions is needed to better understand the tomb owners.

The ministry also shared photos of artifacts and statues found inside the tombs. This discovery comes as Egypt prepares for the complete opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum this summer, which will feature more than 100,000 ancient artifacts. However, an official opening date has not yet been announced.

One of the tombs belonged to Amum-em-Ipet, an official from the Ramesside period who worked in the estate of the god Amun. His tomb is mostly damaged, but it still contains some images showing funeral furniture carriers and a banquet scene. The tomb begins with a small courtyard, leading to an entrance, then a square hall, and ends with a niche. The western wall of this niche has been destroyed.

The other two tombs are from the 18th Dynasty. One belonged to Baki, a supervisor of a grain silo. His tomb has a courtyard, a main entrance, a corridor-like courtyard, a transverse hall, and a long hall that leads to an unfinished room with a burial well.

The third tomb belonged to a man identified as “S.” He had several roles: supervisor at the Temple of Amun in the oasis, a writer, and the mayor of the northern oases. His tomb includes a small courtyard with a well, a main entrance, and a transverse hall leading to an incomplete long hall.

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathi called the find a critical scientific and archaeological achievement. He said this discovery could boost cultural tourism and attract more visitors interested in Egypt’s ancient history.

Earlier this year, Egypt made other discoveries near Luxor, including rock-cut tombs and burial shafts dating back 3,600 years near Queen Hatshepsut’s temple. Last year, Egyptian and American archaeologists also uncovered a Middle Kingdom tomb with 11 sealed burials near the Temple of Hatshepsut.