Latest news with #SherifFathy
Egypt Today
39 minutes ago
- General
- Egypt Today
Ancient Structure and Coptic Art Unearthed in Upper Egypt
In a remarkable archaeological discovery, an Egyptian mission working in the Monqabad area in Asyut has uncovered the remains of a mudbrick building dating back to the 6th–7th century AD. The announcement comes as part of the Supreme Council of Antiquities' ongoing efforts to support excavations across the country, under the directives of Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities. Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, revealed that the building features two levels coated in white plaster. Inside, archaeologists found a series of rare and important wall paintings. One striking mural features repeated eye motifs centered around a human face—a symbolic representation in Coptic art often interpreted as inner spiritual insight and divine awareness. Another mural shows the image of a man carrying a child, likely Saint Joseph holding the Christ Child, flanked by disciples and Coptic inscriptions. Dr. Gamal Mostafa, Head of the Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish Antiquities Sector, added that the first level of the structure includes three parallel halls followed by two rooms. A staircase leads to a lower level with three parallel cells and two living quarters. Numerous artifacts were uncovered, including Coptic-inscribed tombstones, amphorae bearing Coptic letters, and a stone frieze adorned with animal motifs of a gazelle and a lion. Various multi-use pottery vessels were also found. According to Mahmoud Mohamed, Director of Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish Antiquities in East Asyut, excavation and mural studies are ongoing to unravel the building's function and significance further. Monqabad is about 12 kilometers northwest of Asyut City and roughly 22 kilometers from Asyut International Airport. The site was initially discovered in 1965, with intermittent excavation seasons beginning in 1976 and continuing through 2010, before resuming with the current 2024 mission.
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
3 ancient tombs dating back thousands of years unearthed in Egypt
LUXOR, Egypt – Archaeologists have unearthed three ancient tombs in Egypt dating back over 3,500 years to the New Kingdom. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the significant discovery on Monday, hailing it as a "major scientific and archaeological achievement." See It: Egypt Uncovers Ancient Pharaoh's Tomb For First Time In Over 100 Years The ministry notes that two of the newly found tombs date to Egypt's Eighteenth Dynasty (beginning 1550 B.C.), while the third dates to the Eighth Dynasty (beginning 2181 B.C.). The tombs belonged to "senior statesmen" of their respective eras. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy underscored the discovery as a testament to Egypt's profound archaeological heritage. "This discovery, made entirely by Egyptian hands, reflects the great capabilities of Egyptian archaeological cadres in achieving unique discoveries with international resonance," Fathy said. Bronze Sword Inscribed With Legendary Egyptian Pharaoh's Name Unearthed In 3,200-Year-old Military Outpost The archaeological mission plans to continue its work, cleaning and studying the remaining inscriptions to further identify the tomb owners and prepare the findings for scientific publication. Officials anticipate this find will significantly boost the country's cultural tourism and solidify its archaeological article source: 3 ancient tombs dating back thousands of years unearthed in Egypt
Emirates 24/7
2 days ago
- Emirates 24/7
3 New Kingdom tombs unearthed in Luxor
An Egyptian archaeological mission has uncovered three tombs dating back to the New Kingdom, one of ancient Egyptian history's most celebrated eras, during excavation work at the necropolis of Dra Abul-Naga on the West Bank of Luxor. The discovery offers insight into the lives of high-ranking officials who once served in temples and administrative positions across ancient Egypt. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy hailed the find as 'a significant scientific and cultural accomplishment that strengthens Egypt's status on the global cultural tourism map.' He stressed the importance of this discovery and its potential to attract cultural tourism and deepen appreciation for Egypt's unparalleled historical heritage. 'These tombs are not just burial chambers,' he said, describing them as windows into the lives, roles, and beliefs of key figures in our ancient society. 'The fact that this discovery was made entirely by Egyptian hands reflects the exceptional capabilities of our archaeological teams,' he stated. Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) Secretary-General Mohamed Ismail Khaled inspected the tombs during a brief visit to the site. Khaled confirmed that all three tombs belong to the New Kingdom. Inscriptions found within the burial chambers enabled the initial identification of the tomb owners. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Zawya
2 days ago
- General
- Zawya
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. © 2024 Daily News Egypt. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Daily News Egypt
2 days ago
- General
- Daily News Egypt
Ancient Coptic structure with significant murals discovered in Egypt's Assiut
An Egyptian archaeological mission has discovered a mud-brick building dating from the 6th to 7th centuries AD, along with a number of significant coloured murals, in the Manqabad area of Assiut. The discovery was announced as part of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) ongoing efforts in archaeological excavation and its support for scientific missions, in line with directives from Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the SCA, explained that the discovered building is coated with a layer of white mortar and consists of two levels. Within these, several important murals were found. He highlighted the 'remains of a mural with significant symbolism in Coptic art, where its theme represents eyes in a repetitive manner, with a face in the middle, indicating inner spiritual insight that may be hidden from many who live a worldly life and love the world; it is a symbol of wisdom, awakening, and vigilance in pastoral matters.' Khaled added that another mural depicts 'the remains of a drawing of a man holding a small child, which is likely Joseph the Carpenter holding Jesus Christ, with disciples on the right and left sides, alongside Coptic writings.' Gamal Mostafa, Head of the Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish Antiquities Sector at the SCA, provided further details on the structure's layout. He indicated that 'the first level of the building consists of three parallel halls, followed by two rooms, which contain a descending staircase leading to the lower level. This lower level features three parallel cells followed by two living rooms.' Numerous pottery and stone artefacts were found within these rooms. Mostafa noted, 'among the most prominent finds is a tombstone of a saint, inscribed with Coptic writings that clarify the saint's name and date of death.' Other discoveries include 'many amphorae of different sizes bearing some Coptic letters, a stone frieze with animal decoration representing the remains of a gazelle and a lion, and some multi-use pottery vessels.' Mahmoud Mohamed, Director-General of the East Assiut Antiquities area for Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish Antiquities, stated that the mission is continuing its excavation work and the study of the discovered murals. The aim is 'to learn more about the secrets of this building and its importance.' He also provided information on the site's location, noting that 'the Manqabad antiquities area is located in the village of Manqabad, part of Assiut centre and governorate, approximately 12 km northwest of Assiut city. It lies southwest of the main highway and about 22 km from Assiut International Airport.' The Manqabad area was first identified in 1965, with actual excavation work commencing in 1976. Excavation seasons continued intermittently until 2010, followed by the current Egyptian-led excavations in the 2024 season. The ongoing work aims to fully understand the function and significance of the newly discovered Coptic-era building.
