Egypt’s Ancient Secrets Resurface: Three New Kingdom Tombs Discovered Near Luxor
In a landmark archaeological discovery, Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has announced the unearthing of three 3,500-year-old tombs of senior statesmen from the New Kingdom period (1550–1070 B.C.E.) in the Dra Abu el-Naga necropolis, located on the west bank of the Nile River in Luxor. This find is being hailed as a “significant scientific and archaeological milestone” by Egyptian authorities and scholars alike.
Notably, this discovery comes just months ahead of the long-awaited full opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which is expected to become the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilization, showcasing over 100,000 ancient artifacts.
The Tombs: A Glimpse into the Lives of Egypt’s Elite
The three newly discovered tombs belonged to high-ranking officials who played critical roles in the administration and religious life of the New Kingdom, an era marked by unprecedented prosperity, international diplomacy, monumental architecture, and religious transformation. Each tomb contains inscriptions and architectural features that shed light on the identity, rank, and duties of the deceased.
Amum-em-Ipet: The Ramesside Official in Amun’s Service
The first tomb is attributed to Amum-em-Ipet, a notable figure who lived during the Ramesside period, which includes Egypt’s 19th and 20th dynasties (1292–1070 B.C.E.). He likely served as an official within the estate of Amun, the religious complex dedicated to Amun-Ra, the supreme deity of the time.
Courtesy – Egypt Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (via AP)
Despite suffering significant damage over the millennia, parts of his tomb remain intact, including depictions of funeral processions, offering scenes, and a banquet, all critical components of New Kingdom burial rites. The tomb layout includes a small courtyard, an entrance passage, and a square hall ending in a niche. The western wall of the niche was later breached, possibly for re-use in a secondary burial.
Baki: The Grain Silo Supervisor of the 18th Dynasty
The second tomb dates back to Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, one of the most influential periods in ancient Egyptian history. It belonged to Baki, who held the title of supervisor of the grain silo, a position of considerable importance in the ancient economy. Grain was not only the staple food but also served as a form of currency and tax.
Baki’s tomb is characterised by a T-shaped design, with two courtyards, a transverse hall, and an unfinished burial shaft. The architecture indicates a well-planned but possibly interrupted construction process, suggesting sudden political shifts or resource reallocation. Funerary figurines and other grave goods were discovered inside, further underscoring the tomb’s importance.
S: The Scribe, Mayor, and Temple Supervisor
The third tomb, also from the 18th Dynasty, belonged to a man identified only by the initial “S” through hieroglyphic inscriptions. He held multiple prestigious titles, including scribe, mayor of the northern oases, and supervisor at the Temple of Amun, highlighting his significant administrative and religious responsibilities.
S’s tomb features a courtyard with a well, an entrance, and a longitudinal hall connected to an incomplete second hall. The complexity of this tomb reflects the owner’s high status and multifaceted career. According to Egyptian archaeologists, further excavation and analysis of the burial shaft are expected to yield even more artefacts and historical insights.
A National Milestone in Archaeology and Heritage
According to Mohamed Ismail Khaled, secretary-general of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, “The inscriptions and layout of these tombs open new chapters in our understanding of New Kingdom civil society.” He further added that “more research is underway” to decipher additional inscriptions and analyse material culture uncovered during the dig.
This discovery is particularly meaningful as it was made by an all-Egyptian archaeological team, a point of national pride emphasised by Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy. In his official statement, Fathy said:
“This is a significant archaeological achievement that reinforces Egypt’s position on the global cultural tourism map. The discovery is a testament to the skill and dedication of our homegrown archaeological community.”
The Strategy Behind Dra Abu el-Naga
The Dra Abu el-Naga necropolis lies near some of Egypt’s most famous archaeological landmarks, including the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, and the Karnak Temple Complex. Historically, this area served as a non-royal burial site for elite members of society who were closely connected to the temple economy and administrative machinery of Thebes.
Courtesy – Egypt Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (via AP)
According to Mohamed Abdel-Badie, head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, the necropolis was selected for its spiritual proximity to the gods and strategic location near the royal mortuary complexes.
A Boost to Egypt’s Cultural Tourism Economy
The timing of this discovery is fortuitous. The Grand Egyptian Museum, set to fully open in the summer of 2025, will serve as a monumental showcase for these types of artefacts and stories. The museum, located near the Giza Pyramids, is expected to attract millions of visitors annually, injecting new life into Egypt’s post-pandemic tourism sector.
As Minister Fathy noted, “These newly discovered tombs will help further stimulate interest in cultural tourism, which is a cornerstone of Egypt’s sustainable development strategy.”
What’s Next? Continued Excavations and Global Impact
Excavation teams are expected to continue cleaning and analysing the tombs in preparation for a detailed academic publication. The hope is that more grave goods, inscriptions, and murals will be unearthed to paint a fuller picture of these individuals and their roles within the New Kingdom.
These discoveries not only enrich our understanding of Egypt’s past but also inspire ongoing global archaeological efforts. As Egypt continues to assert itself as a leader in the preservation and presentation of ancient history, the world watches with anticipation.
Image Courtesy – Archaeologists Discover Three 3500-Year-Old Tombs In Luxor Filled With Strange Inscriptions And Lost Treasures. Courtesy – Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
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