Ancient elites unearthed: New Luxor tombs reveal Egypt's past

In Luxor, on the western bank of the Nile, archaeologists have made an extraordinary discovery. In the desert sands, three tombs have been found that may be over 3,500 years old. This find may contain the remains of people belonging to the elite of ancient Egypt.

According to the German newspaper Bild, the tombs were discovered in the Dra Abu el-Naga necropolis, just a few kilometres from the famous Valley of the Kings, where Pharaoh Tutankhamun lies.

See also: The long history of the pharaohs has another chapter. A 3,600-year-old tomb was discovered in Abydos, Egypt

This child pharaoh, who ascended the throne at the age of nine, is known for his nearly intact tomb with a golden mask. He lived in the same era as the individuals buried in the newly discovered graves—in the 18th dynasty, which was a period of ancient Egypt's prosperity.

Although the identity of the buried individuals is not yet known, archaeologists from the University of Alcala in Spain, working with Egyptian authorities, suspect that one of the tombs may have belonged to a high-ranking official. The Dra Abu el-Naga necropolis was a burial place for influential people, such as officials, priests, and craftsmen of high status.

Skeletons, painted wooden coffins, amulets, and ceramic vessels were found in the tombs, indicating the high social status of the deceased. Unfortunately, many of these artifacts are in poor condition—many are damaged, broken, or have disintegrated.

Despite the poor condition of many finds, their location and contents suggest that the people buried there may have played an important role in the state apparatus of the New Kingdom, when Egypt was at the height of its power.

Scientists hope that further analyses will unveil more information about the lives of these individuals, who lived in times when death was seen merely as the beginning of a new journey.