Latest news with #Luxor
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Science
- Daily Mail
Archaeologists discover three long-lost Egyptian tombs dating back more than 3,500 years
They've been hidden for more than 3,000 years, well before the time of Jesus Christ. But now, remarkable new excavations finally uncover three long-lost tombs from ancient Egypt. 'Made by pure Egyptian hands', the tombs were unearthed in the archaeological site of Dra Abu el-Naga on the Luxor West Bank. According to experts, they date back to Egypt's prosperous New Kingdom period – which spanned three dynasties from 1550-1070 BC. Excitingly, the experts have managed to identify the names and titles of the tomb owners through inscriptions found within. They belonged to three adult males who were not royals, but had important roles in daily Egyptian life, they say. Also found were several ancient Egyptian artifacts, including tools and miniature mummy figures. Located near the famous Valley of the Kings, Dra Abu el-Naga is known to have been a resting place for high officials, supervisors and scribes. In a translated statement posted on Facebook, Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said the graves belonged to 'senior statesmen'. 'Completion of the excavation and cleaning works [will] get to know the owners of these graves more deeply,' the statement said. Following further study, archaeologists will 'publish these graves scientifically' – so likely in a peer-reviewed research paper. One of the Luxor tombs belonged to a man called Amum-em-Ipet, dating to around the 19th or 20th dynasties (collectively known as the Ramesside period). According to experts, Amum-em-Ipet worked in the temple or estate of Amun, the revered ancient Egyptian god of the air and fertility. His tomb was mostly destroyed and what remained were depictions of the funeral furniture carriers and a banquet. Amum-em-Ipet´s tomb begins with a small courtyard leading to an entrance and then a square hall ending with a niche, whose western wall was destroyed. The two other tombs date back to the 18th Dynasty and include one belonging to a man named Baki, who served as a supervisor of a grain silo (a structure used for storing large quantities of grain). What is Dra Abu el-Naga? Dra Abu el-Naga is an important archaeological site in the Luxor West Bank, Egypt. It stretches from the mouth of the Valley of the Kings on the north to the entrance of the valley leading to el-Asasif and Deir el-Bahri in the south. Excavations suggest it was not a burial place for royals, although prominent people were laid to rest there, such as statesmen. Source: Penn Museum/Explore Luxor The 18th dynasty, part of the period of Egyptian history known as the New Kingdom, is considered among the most prosperous years of Ancient Egypt, reigning for more than 200 years – circa 1539 to 1292 BC. Baki´s tomb has a courtyard leading to the main entrance of the tomb as well as another long corridor-like courtyard. The third tomb contains the burial of an individual simply named 'S,' who held multiple roles, according to experts. S was a supervisor at the Temple of Amun, a writer, and the mayor of the northern oases - a fertile area of desert good for plant growth and animal habitats. While an impressive amount of detail has been garnered from inscriptions, further study of the etchings is needed to gain an even deeper understanding of the tombs' owners, according to authorities. The ministry described the discovery as a significant scientific and archaeological achievement that 'strengthens Egypt's position on the map'. Dra Abu el-Naga is one of the areas poised to greatly boost cultural tourism and attract more visitors with an interest in Egypt´s rich heritage. Despite how long they've been around, historical monuments are still constantly being uncovered in Egypt. Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said: 'Completion of the excavation and cleaning works [will] get to know the owners of these graves more deeply' Earlier this year, experts announced the discovery of the tomb of King Thutmose II, the pharaoh of Egypt 's 18th dynasty who lived and ruled nearly 3,500 years ago. A series of subtle clues that led archaeologists to confirm his resting place King Thutmose II, solving 'a great mystery of ancient Egypt. In January, Egypt made several discoveries near the famed city of Luxor, including ancient rock-cut tombs and burial shafts dating back 3,600 years, unearthed at the causeway of Queen Hatshepsut´s funerary temple at Deir al-Bahri on the Nile´s West Bank. And late last year, Egyptian and American archaeologists excavated an ancient tomb with 11 sealed burials near Luxor. The tomb, which dates to the Middle Kingdom, was found in the South Asasif necropolis, next to the Temple of Hatshepsut. The joint Egyptian-American excavation found coffins for men, women and children, suggesting that it was a family tomb used for several generations. WHAT IS EGYPT'S VALLEY OF THE KINGS? The Valley of the Kings in upper Egypt is one of the country's main tourist attractions and is the famous burial ground of many deceased pharaohs. It is located near the ancient city of Luxor on the banks of the river Nile in eastern Egypt - 300 miles (500km) away from the pyramids of Giza, near Cairo. The majority of the pharaohs of the 18th to 20th dynasties, who ruled from 1550 to 1069 BC, rested in the tombs which were cut into the local rock. The royal tombs are decorated with scenes from Egyptian mythology and give clues as to the beliefs and funerary rituals of the period. Almost all of the tombs were opened and looted centuries ago, but the sites still give an idea of the opulence and power of the Pharaohs. The most famous pharaoh at the site is Tutankhamun, whose tomb was discovered in 1922. Preserved to this day, in the tomb are original decorations of sacred imagery from, among others, the Book of Gates or the Book of Caverns. These are among the most important funeral texts found on the walls of ancient Egyptian tombs.
The Sun
3 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Three ancient Egyptian tombs are unearthed after 3,500yrs -but you'd be surprised who each ornate burial site was for
A CLEVER team of archaeologists have unearthed a trio of ancient tombs which all belonged to a peculiar set of Egyptians. The three ornate burial sites date back more than 3,500 years and were discovered in the Dra Abu el-Naga necropolis in the southern Egyptian city of Luxor. 5 5 5 The team who analysed the tombs were quickly able to uncover who each belonged to due to the names and titles of the owners being found through inscriptions inside. One of the tombs, which was found mostly destroyed, belonged to Amum-em-Ipet, from the Ramesside period. Another was used to bury a man called Baki as the third was used for the body of a person named only as S. Both of these individuals worked as regular supervisors in the time around 1550BC. Baki worked as a supervisor of the grain silo, while S was a supervisor at the Temple of Amun. They were also said to be a a writer and the mayor of the northern oases. All three tombs featured a small courtyard leading up to their entrance. Sherif Fathir, Egypt's tourism and antiquities minister, described the discovery as a significant scientific and archaeological achievement. The city of Luxor has long been seen as one of Egypt's oldest and most ancient sites which is full of unexplored history. In 2021, an Egyptian city was uncovered after 3,000 years with experts hailing it the most "important discovery since the tomb of Tutankhamun". The "Golden City of Luxor" became the 'the largest' ancient city ever found in Egypt. As well as the the city streets and evidence of buildings, lots of artefacts and even skeletal remains have been discovered. The team found precious jewellery, scarab beetle amulets and coloured pottery. Elsewhere, a mysterious giant pink door has been discovered inside a 4,400-year-old tomb. The entrance was found at the Saqqara Necropolis - an ancient cemetery full of pyramids and tombs - in Cairo, Egypt. The stunning discovery was made by a team of Egyptian archaeologists as part of ongoing research work at the site. Pictures from the dig show the looming pink door which measures an impressive 15ft tall and 4ft wide. But instead of a functioning door archaeologists have actually uncovered a wall carving which has been cleverly designed to look like an entrance. A brief history of Ancient Egypt Here's everything you need to know... The Ancient Egyptians were an advanced civilisation who at one point owned a huge portion of the globe The civilisation began about 5,000 years ago when ancient humans began building villages along the River Nile It lasted for about 3,000 years and saw the building of complex cities centuries ahead of their time – as well as the famous Great Pyramids The Ancient Egyptians were experts at farming and construction They invented a solar calendar, and one of the world's earliest writing systems: The hieroglyph The Egyptians were ruled by kings and queens called pharaohs Religion and the afterlife were a huge part of Ancient Egyptian culture. They had over 2,000 gods Pharaohs built huge elaborate tombs to be buried in, some of which were pyramids – at the time among the largest buildings in the world The Egyptians believed in life after death, and important people's corpses were mummified to preserve their bodies for the afterlife The Ancient Egytpian empire fell due to a mix of factors, including wars with other empires and a 100-year period of drought and starvation 5
CBS News
4 days ago
- General
- CBS News
3 ancient tombs of prominent statesmen discovered in Egypt
Archaeologists in Egypt have unveiled the millennia-old tombs of three senior statesmen, identified by inscriptions left on the tombs. The three sites in the city of Luxor date to the New Kingdom era, Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said on social media, which ranged from about 1550 to 1070 B.C. One of the tombs is for a person called "Amon-am-Ebt," who worked in a temple or other sacred site. The tomb has a view of sacrificial items and other relics, the ministry said. The tomb includes a small courtyard, an entrance, and a square hall. That site was later reused, and another hall was built, the ministry said. Another tomb is for a person called "Baki," who was a supervisor at a nearby monastery. The tomb included multiple courtyards and an exhibition hall. The third tomb, which included a small courtyard and its own exhibition hall, was for a person identified as "S," who worked as an overseer at a nearby temple, and was also a mayor and writer, the ministry said. An image in one of the tombs. Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Further research will be done to learn more about the tombs, their occupants and their construction, the ministry said. The tombs were found in the Dra Abu al-Naga necropolis in Luxor. In late 2024, Egyptian officials announced the discovery of an ancient tomb with 11 sealed coffins, and a trove of jewelry, near Luxor. The site was likely a family tomb, CBS News previously reported. In 2023, researchers found what is believed to be the first burial site in the city. Overall, more than a thousand burial sites have been found in Luxor, Fathy Yaseen, director general of antiquities of Upper Egypt, told CBS News in 2023.
CTV News
4 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Egyptian archeologists discover three tombs in Luxor
In this undated photo, hieroglyphs are revealed in the three new graves of senior statesmen found in the Dra' Abu al-Naga necropolis area in Luxor, Egypt. (Egypt Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities via AP) CAIRO — Egypt unveiled three new tombs of prominent statesman in the Dra Abu al-Naga necropolis in Luxor, officials said Monday. Egyptian archeologists have discovered tombs dating back to the New Kingdom period (1550–1070 B.C.) and identified the names and titles of their owners through inscriptions found within, according to a statement by the tourism and antiquities ministry. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said in the statement that further study of other tombs' inscriptions is needed to gain a deeper understanding of the tombs' owners. The ministry released pictures of items discovered in the tombs, including artifacts and statues. The discovery comes in the lead-up to the highly anticipated full opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which is expected this summer, though a final official date is yet to be confirmed. The museum will showcase more than 100,000 artifacts from Egypt's rich ancient heritage. Graves The Egyptian archeological mission working in the Abu El-Naga arm area in the western part of Luxor has been able to unearth three graves from the modern state era. (Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities) One of the tombs discovered in Luxor on Monday belonged to Amum-em-Ipet, from the Ramesside period, who worked in the estate of Amun. His tomb was mostly destroyed and what remained were depictions of the funeral furniture carriers and a banquet. Amum-em-Ipet's tomb begins with a small courtyard leading to an entrance and then a square hall ending with a niche, whose western wall was destroyed. The other tombs date back to the 18th Dynasty and include one belonging to a man named Baki, who served as a supervisor of the grain silo. Another tomb contains the burial of an individual named 'S,' who held multiple roles — he was a supervisor at the Temple of Amun in the oasis, a writer and the mayor of the northern oases. Baki's tomb has a courtyard leading to the main entrance of the tomb as well as a long corridor-like courtyard. It also has a transverse hall leading to another longitudinal hall that leads up to an unfinished chamber that contains a burial well. Meanwhile, the other tomb that belongs to 'S' has a small courtyard with a well, the tomb's main entrance, and a transverse hall that leads to an incomplete longitudinal hall. Egyptian archeological discoveries The minister of Tourism and Archeological affirmed the discovery was made by pure Egyptian hands. (Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities) Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathi described the discovery as a significant scientific and archeological achievement, noting that it is one of the areas poised to greatly boost cultural tourism and attract more visitors with an interest in Egypt's rich heritage. In January, Egypt made several discoveries near the famed city of Luxor, including ancient rock-cut tombs and burial shafts dating back 3,600 years. They were unearthed at the causeway of Queen Hatshepsut's funerary temple at Deir al-Bahri on the Nile's West Bank. Late last year, Egyptian and American archeologists excavated an ancient tomb with 11 sealed burials near Luxor. The tomb, which dates to the Middle Kingdom, was found in the South Asasif necropolis, next to the Temple of Hatshepsut. Fatma Khaled, The Associated Press
CNN
4 days ago
- General
- CNN
Ancient tombs more than 3,000 years old unearthed in Egypt
Three tombs dating back thousands of years have been unearthed in an ancient Egyptian burial complex. The tombs of three prominent statesmen from the New Kingdom era (1539 to 1077 BCE) have been uncovered in Luxor, according to Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. The discovery was made in the Dra'Abu El Naga, an important non-royal necropolis in Luxor, the ministry said in a statement Monday. The excavation was carried out entirely by Egyptians, according to Sherif Fathy, minister of tourism and antiquities, who called it a 'significant' discovery for the country's archaeological record in a post on the ministry's Instagram account. Inscriptions inside the tombs allowed the excavation team to identify the names and titles of their owners, said Mohamed Ismail Khaled, secretary-general of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, in the statement. Further work will be needed to complete cleaning and studying remaining inscriptions in the tombs. One of the tombs belongs to a person called Amun-em-Ipet from the Ramesside period (usually considered to be the 19th and 20th dynasties) who either worked in the temple or the estate of Amun, the deity revered as king of the gods. Most scenes in his tomb were destroyed, except for depictions of furniture carriers and a banquet scene, the ministry said. Another tomb, dating back to the 18th dynasty, belonged to someone named Baki who worked as a granary supervisor, the ministry said. The third tomb, also dating back to the 18th dynasty, belonged to a person called Es, who was identified as holding several jobs: supervisor in the Temple of Amun, mayor of the northern oases and scribe. Abdel Ghaffar Wagdy, director-general of Luxor antiquities, who led the mission, described the tomb layouts in the statement provided by the ministry. According to Wagdy, Amun-em -Ipet's tomb consists of a small courtyard, an entrance and a square hall ending with a niche, where a western wall was broken. Baki's tomb consists of a long, corridor-like courtyard followed by another courtyard leading to its main entrance. An extended hall leads to another long hall, ending with an incomplete chamber containing his burial well. The tomb belonging to Es also has a small courtyard containing a well, followed by a main entrance, and a transverse hall leading to another – incomplete – long hall. The tombs mark yet another discovery made this year in Luxor. In February, a joint Egyptian-British archaeological mission unearthed the tomb of King Thutmose II in what officials at the time called a 'remarkable' discovery.
