Egypt unearths three ancient tombs near Luxor ahead of Grand Museum opening

Egypt has once again unearthed treasures from its ancient past, revealing three remarkable tombs of high-ranking officials near Luxor that promise to deepen understanding of the New Kingdom era — just months before the grand opening of the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum.

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities confirmed that these tombs date back to the New Kingdom period (1550–1070 B.C.), Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

Archaeologists identified the owners’ names and titles through inscriptions found inside the burial sites, shedding new light on Egypt’s ancient elite.

Mohamed Ismail Khaled, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, emphasised that ongoing research into inscriptions in other tombs is essential to fully understand the histories of their occupants.

The ministry released photographs showcasing a variety of artifacts and statues discovered within the tombs. This find precedes the highly awaited full opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, expected this summer, which will exhibit over 100,000 artifacts celebrating Egypt’s rich archaeological heritage.

One of the tombs belonged to Amum-em-Ipet, an official from the Ramesside era who served in the estate of Amun. Although much of his tomb was destroyed, surviving elements include depictions of funeral furniture carriers and a banquet scene. The tomb features a small courtyard leading to an entrance and a square hall ending with a niche, though the niche’s western wall was damaged.

The other two tombs date from the 18th Dynasty. One belonged to Baki, supervisor of a grain silo, whose tomb contains a courtyard, a corridor-like courtyard, a transverse hall, and an unfinished burial chamber with a burial well. The third tomb belonged to an individual known as “S,” who held multiple roles including supervisor at the Temple of Amun in the oasis, writer, and mayor of the northern oases. His tomb includes a small courtyard with a well, the main entrance, and an incomplete longitudinal hall.

Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathi praised the discovery as a significant archaeological achievement, underlining its potential to boost cultural tourism and attract visitors fascinated by Egypt’s history.

Earlier this year, Egypt unveiled other notable finds near Luxor, including rock-cut tombs and burial shafts from 3,600 years ago near Queen Hatshepsut’s funerary temple at Deir al-Bahri. Late last year, Egyptian and American archaeologists also uncovered a Middle Kingdom tomb with 11 sealed burials in the South Asasif necropolis beside the Temple of Hatshepsut.

By Naila Huseynova