Ancient wonders unearthed: Elite Egyptian tombs in Luxor
Archaeologists have discovered three ancient tombs in Luxor that may contain the remains of the elite of ancient Egypt from 3,500 years ago.
In Luxor, on the west bank of the Nile, archaeologists made an extraordinary discovery. In the desert sands, they uncovered three tombs that are believed to be over 3,500 years old. This discovery could hold the remains of individuals belonging to the elite of ancient Egypt.
According to the German newspaper Bild, the tombs were found in the Dra Abu el-Naga necropolis, just a few kilometres from the famous Valley of the Kings, where Pharaoh Tutankhamun rests.
This child pharaoh, who ascended the throne at the age of nine, is renowned for his nearly intact tomb with a golden mask. He lived in the same era as the individuals buried in the newly discovered tombs, during the 18th Dynasty, a period of flourishing in ancient Egypt.
Although the identity of those interred is not yet known, archaeologists from the University of Alcalá in Spain, working with Egyptian authorities, suspect that one of the tombs might have belonged to a high-ranking official. The Dra Abu el-Naga necropolis was a burial site for influential people such as officials, priests, and craftsmen of high status.
Elite ancient Egyptian tombs discovered. Details unveiled
The tombs contained skeletons, painted wooden coffins, amulets, and ceramic vessels, indicating the high social status of the deceased. Unfortunately, many of these artefacts 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 significant roles in the state apparatus of the New Kingdom when Egypt was at the height of its power.
Scientists hope that further analyses will reveal more information about the lives of these individuals, who lived in a time when death was seen merely as the beginning of a new journey.
