Despite significant flooding that devastated much of the region, a family tomb was uncovered, leaving archaeologists astonished.
The ancient burial site, featuring 11 sealed interments, was found near the renowned city of Luxor. According to Egyptian officials, collaborative teams from Egypt and the United States excavated the tomb within the South Asasif necropolis, adjacent to the Temple of Hatshepsut on Luxor’s West Bank.
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in Egypt announced on Friday that this tomb dates back to the Middle Kingdom period (1938 B.C.-1630 B.C.). Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, noted that this family tomb likely served multiple generations during both the 12th and early 13th Dynasties. He mentioned that ancient floods had ruined many wooden coffins and linen wrappings associated with these burials. Nevertheless, some artifacts remained undamaged; among them were pieces of jewelry from women’s graves—including a beautifully crafted necklace adorned with 30 amethyst beads and two cylindrical agate beads surrounding a hippo-head amulet. Catherine Blakeney, leading American archaeologist on the project, reported finding two copper mirrors: one featuring a lotus-shaped handle and another showcasing a distinctive design representing Hathor—an ancient Egyptian goddess associated with sky, women, fertility, and love.
This discovery comes as Egypt intensifies its efforts to boost tourism—a vital source of foreign currency for its struggling economy—following years of decline due to political instability after the 2011 uprising. Recently inaugurated was part of the Grand Egyptian Museum near Giza Pyramids; it opened 12 exhibition halls filled with Pharaonic artifacts as part of a trial run prior to an official launch date yet to be announced.
Additionally, last year saw the opening of Sphinx International Airport east of Cairo for easier access to Giza’s attractions without navigating through Cairo itself. Although some potential tourists are hesitant due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, Philip Breckner from Discover Egypt reassured earlier this year that daily life in Egypt—including activities in streets, shops, hotels, and cruises—remains normal and largely unaffected by external events or those in neighboring countries.Archaeologists have discovered a surprising ancient tomb from Egypt’s Middle Kingdom.