Latest news with #EgyptianAntiquitiesSector
CairoScene
29-06-2025
- General
- CairoScene
Three Ancient Tombs Discovered at Aswan's Qubbet el-Hawa Necropolis
Pottery, coffins, and skeletons were found in the tombs—some even reused centuries later. Jun 29, 2025 A team of Egyptian archaeologists has uncovered three rock-cut tombs dating back to the Old Kingdom at the Qubbet el-Hawa necropolis in Aswan. The discovery, made during the current excavation season, sheds light on a transitional era in ancient Egyptian history and highlights the site's continued importance across centuries. 'This find offers valuable insight into the critical period between the end of the Old Kingdom and the beginning of the First Intermediate Period,' said Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities. He added that some of the tombs appear to have been reused during the Middle Kingdom, 'reflecting the historical continuity of Qubbet el-Hawa as a burial ground.' Though undecorated, the tombs preserved traditional burial elements. The first contained two false doors, offering tables, pottery, damaged coffins, and skeletal remains, with a burial shaft revealing vessels inscribed in hieratic script. The second tomb held Middle Kingdom pottery and offering tables, but its design points to an earlier origin. The third, near a New Kingdom tomb, featured well-preserved pottery and remains including children's skeletons. 'This discovery deepens our understanding of burial architecture and rituals during times of economic and political transition,' said Mohamed Abdel-Badie, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector.
Egypt Today
28-05-2025
- Egypt Today
Three New Tombs Discovered in Luxor: A Major Breakthrough in Egypt's New Kingdom Heritage
A major archaeological discovery has just been made in Luxor's Dra Abu el-Naga: three newly uncovered tombs belonging to high-ranking officials from the New Kingdom era. Excavation and cleaning efforts are ongoing to reveal more about the tombs' owners, with plans to study and publish the findings in academic detail. The secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities personally visited the site and stressed the importance of scientific documentation and publication. An Egyptian archaeological mission in the Dra Abu el-Naga area on Luxor's West Bank has unearthed three New Kingdom tombs during the current excavation season. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy hailed the discovery as a major scientific and archaeological achievement, bolstering Egypt's standing on the global cultural tourism map. He noted that these tombs are expected to become a key attraction for lovers of heritage and history due to their rich cultural and human significance. The Minister emphasized that this discovery—carried out entirely by Egyptian hands—demonstrates the remarkable capabilities of local archaeologists in making world-class discoveries. Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, inspected the site and confirmed that all three tombs date back to the New Kingdom. The names and titles of their owners were identified through inscriptions found within the tombs. He noted that further cleaning and analysis will be conducted to better understand the tombs' significance, with a commitment to scientific study and publication. Mohamed Abdel-Badei, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, revealed that one of the tombs belongs to 'Amun-em-Opet,' a Ramesside-era official who served at a temple or estate of Amun. While much of the artwork was destroyed, surviving scenes depict offerings, funerary furniture, and banquet rituals. The second and third tombs date back to the 18th Dynasty. One belonged to 'Baki,' a granary overseer, while the other belonged to 'S,' who held multiple titles: overseer of Amun's temple in the oases, mayor of the northern oases, and scribe. As for their layout: • Amun-em-Opet's tomb features a small courtyard, an entrance leading to a square hall, and a niche—later altered in reuse. • Baki's tomb includes a long corridor-like courtyard, followed by another yard leading to a transverse hall and then a longitudinal chamber ending in an unfinished shrine with a burial shaft. • The tomb of 'S' starts with a small courtyard and burial shaft, leading to the main entrance and a transverse hall that connects to an unfinished longitudinal room. This discovery adds a fascinating new chapter to Egypt's ever-unfolding archaeological story. Three New Tombs Discovered in Luxor: A Major Breakthrough in Egypt's New Kingdom Heritage A major archaeological discovery has just been made in Luxor's Dra Abu el-Naga: three newly uncovered tombs belonging to high-ranking officials from the New Kingdom era. Excavation and cleaning efforts are ongoing to reveal more about the tombs' owners, with plans to study and publish the findings in academic detail. The secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities personally visited the site and stressed the importance of scientific documentation and publication. An Egyptian archaeological mission in the Dra Abu el-Naga area on Luxor's West Bank has unearthed three New Kingdom tombs during the current excavation season. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy hailed the discovery as a major scientific and archaeological achievement, bolstering Egypt's standing on the global cultural tourism map. He noted that these tombs are expected to become a key attraction for lovers of heritage and history due to their rich cultural and human significance. The Minister emphasized that this discovery—carried out entirely by Egyptian hands—demonstrates the remarkable capabilities of local archaeologists in making world-class discoveries. Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, inspected the site and confirmed that all three tombs date back to the New Kingdom. The names and titles of their owners were identified through inscriptions found within the tombs. He noted that further cleaning and analysis will be conducted to better understand the tombs' significance, with a commitment to scientific study and publication. Mohamed Abdel-Badei, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, revealed that one of the tombs belongs to 'Amun-em-Opet,' a Ramesside-era official who served at a temple or estate of Amun. While much of the artwork was destroyed, surviving scenes depict offerings, funerary furniture, and banquet rituals. The second and third tombs date back to the 18th Dynasty. One belonged to 'Baki,' a granary overseer, while the other belonged to 'S,' who held multiple titles: overseer of Amun's temple in the oases, mayor of the northern oases, and scribe. As for their layout: • Amun-em-Opet's tomb features a small courtyard, an entrance leading to a square hall, and a niche—later altered in reuse. • Baki's tomb includes a long corridor-like courtyard, followed by another yard leading to a transverse hall and then a longitudinal chamber ending in an unfinished shrine with a burial shaft. • The tomb of 'S' starts with a small courtyard and burial shaft, leading to the main entrance and a transverse hall that connects to an unfinished longitudinal room. This discovery adds a fascinating new chapter to Egypt's ever-unfolding archaeological story.
Daily News Egypt
26-05-2025
- General
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt discovers three New Kingdom tombs in Luxor's Dra' Abu El-Naga
The Egyptian archaeological mission working at Dra' Abu El-Naga on Luxor's west bank has uncovered three tombs dating back to Egypt's New Kingdom era, marking a significant discovery during the current excavation season. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy described the find as a major scientific and archaeological milestone. He highlighted its importance in enhancing Egypt's international standing as a hub for cultural tourism and expressed confidence that the tombs would attract increased interest, particularly from travellers drawn to Egypt's rich ancient heritage. Fathy also praised the fact that the discovery was made entirely by Egyptian archaeologists, calling it a testament to the growing capabilities and expertise of national excavation teams. During a site visit, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Mohamed Ismail Khaled confirmed that the tombs all date to the New Kingdom period. Inscriptions found within the burial chambers have revealed the names and titles of the tombs' occupants, and further cleaning and documentation are underway to uncover additional details. Khaled noted that a comprehensive scientific study and formal publication of the discovery are planned. Mohamed Abdel-Badei, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, explained that one of the tombs belonged to a man named Amun-em-Ipet, who lived during the Ramesside period and served in the temple or estate of Amun. Although large portions of the tomb's decoration have been damaged or lost, surviving scenes depict offerings, funerary furniture being carried, and a banquet—classic elements of New Kingdom funerary art. The second tomb belonged to a man named Baki, who held the title of supervisor of the grain silo during the 18th Dynasty. The third tomb, also from the 18th Dynasty, belonged to a man identified only as S, who served as supervisor of Amun's temple in the oases, mayor of the northern oases, and scribe—roles that suggest significant administrative authority. Abdel-Ghaffar Wagdy, Director General of Luxor Antiquities and head of the mission, provided details on the tomb architecture. The tomb of Amun-em-Ipet features a small courtyard leading to a square hall that ends in a niche; this niche was later altered when the western wall was breached to create an additional hall, likely during a secondary reuse of the tomb. Baki's tomb includes an elongated courtyard resembling a corridor, followed by another open space that leads into the main entrance. Inside, a transverse hall opens into a longitudinal hall ending with an unfinished chapel and burial shaft. The tomb of S has a simpler design, beginning with a small courtyard and burial shaft, followed by a transverse hall that connects to an unfinished longitudinal hall. This discovery adds valuable insight into the roles and lives of officials during the New Kingdom and reinforces the importance of Luxor as a continuing source of archaeological revelations. It also highlights the growing success of Egyptian-led missions in uncovering and preserving the country's ancient heritage for both scholarly and public audiences.
Daily News Egypt
03-05-2025
- Daily News Egypt
Major archaeological discoveries in Sinai reveal layers of Egypt's ‘Eastern Fortresses'
Excavations at the Tel Abu Seifi site in North Sinai have uncovered extensive remains of ancient military fortifications, soldiers' quarters, a wide paved road, and a large moat—offering new insights into the strategic role of Sinai as Egypt's eastern defensive frontier across successive eras. The discoveries were made by an Egyptian archaeological mission affiliated with the Supreme Council of Antiquities. Preliminary findings suggest the possible existence of a third, previously unknown fortress at the site, predating both the Ptolemaic and Roman fortresses already identified. Sherif Fathi, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, hailed the findings as a breakthrough in understanding Egypt's eastern military defences during the Greco-Roman period. He described Tel Abu Seifi as a long-standing military and industrial center whose significance evolved over time. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, noted that the discoveries help redraw Egypt's ancient eastern defence map. 'Sinai has always been Egypt's eastern gateway and first line of defence,' he said. He added that the mission unearthed distinctive architectural elements of the eastern gates belonging to the Ptolemaic and Roman fortresses, which will allow historians to reimagine ancient military entryways more accurately. Among the most notable finds is a deep defensive moat—over two meters in depth—at the entrance to the Ptolemaic fortress. Researchers believe it formed part of a broader protective system activated in times of threat. Mohamed Abdel-Badi', Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, said the team also uncovered a wide limestone-paved road, measuring 11 meters in width and extending more than 100 meters from the eastern gate of the Roman fortress into the heart of the site. Beneath this lies an older, Ptolemaic-era road made from similar materials, suggesting continuity in site planning across centuries. On either side of the road, archaeologists found more than 500 clay planting circles—likely used for cultivating trees that once lined the fortress's grand entrance during the Ptolemaic period. Additionally, well-preserved Roman-era soldiers' dwellings were unearthed, offering rare glimpses into daily life at the fortress during the reigns of Emperors Diocletian and Maximian. The site also revealed four large kilns used for producing quicklime, confirming the site's transformation into an industrial hub in the late Roman period—an expansion that ultimately led to the destruction of earlier stone structures. Dr. Hisham Hussein, Head of the archaeological mission and Director-General of the General Administration of Sinai Antiquities, noted the discovery of another moat, likely linked to an earlier fortress. The four corners of this structure have been identified, and work is underway to determine its precise age. Excavators also uncovered overlapping layers of rectangular residential buildings from the Ptolemaic period, indicating extended occupation. Once a key stronghold, Tel Abu Seifi rose in strategic importance following shifts in the Nile's course and the retreat of the coastline, which led to the decline of nearby Tel Habuwa (the ancient city of Tharu). The latest discoveries further reinforce Tel Abu Seifi's pivotal role in Egypt's military history and its enduring significance in understanding life and defence strategies in the Sinai Peninsula.
Egypt Today
03-05-2025
- Egypt Today
Ancient Fortifications & Soldier Quarters Unearthed in North Sinai
The Egyptian archaeological mission, under the Supreme Council of Antiquities, has uncovered the remains of ancient military fortifications, residential units for soldiers, and a defensive trench at the Tell Abu Seifa site in North Sinai during its current excavation season, possibly pointing to the existence of a third fortress. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, emphasized the significance of this discovery, which sheds new light on Egypt's eastern military defenses during the Ptolemaic and Roman eras. He highlighted Tell Abu Seifa's enduring role as a strategic military and industrial center throughout history. Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, noted that the find enhances our understanding of Egypt's defensive map along its eastern borders and reaffirms Sinai's status as Egypt's historic eastern gateway and first line of defense. The mission has revealed the architectural layout of the eastern gates of both previously discovered Ptolemaic and Roman fortresses. They also unearthed a massive defensive trench over two meters deep at the Ptolemaic fortress entrance, believed to be part of a strategic system that could be activated or deactivated in times of threat. Mr. Mohamed Abdel Badi, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, added that the team also uncovered an 11-meter-wide, 100-meter-long limestone-paved road stretching from the eastern gate of the Roman fortress into the heart of the site. Interestingly, it was built atop an older Ptolemaic road. Over 500 circular clay pits were found lining the road, likely once used to plant trees that adorned the fortress entrance during the Ptolemaic period. Remains of Roman-era soldier barracks were also found, providing insight into the daily lives of troops stationed there during the reigns of Emperors Diocletian and Maximian. Additionally, four large lime kilns point to the site's transformation into an industrial hub by the end of the Roman period—an expansion that led to the destruction of earlier stone structures. Dr. Hesham Hussein, head of the mission and General Director of Sinai Antiquities, reported the discovery of another trench that may suggest the presence of an even older fortress, predating both the Ptolemaic and Roman ones. The mission has uncovered its four corners and is currently working to determine its age. They also unearthed tightly packed rectangular buildings from the Ptolemaic period that served as long-term residences. Tell Abu Seifa stands as a historically strategic site, once central to protecting Egypt's eastern frontier. As the Nile's course shifted and the coastline receded, the region's importance transitioned from the ancient city of Tharu at Tell Hebua to Tell Abu Seifa.
