In a significant archaeological discovery near Luxor, Egypt, researchers have unearthed an ancient Middle Kingdom era tomb in the South Asasif necropolis. This is the first tomb of its kind to be found in this region, dating back about 4,000 years. The tomb contains multiple burials and a collection of artifacts that have remained untouched for millennia.
Historical significance of the find
The find was made during restoration efforts on the southern side of the tomb of Karabasken, a 25th Dynasty official.
Mohamed Ismail Khaled, head of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, emphasized the importance of this discovery. He stated that it not only shifts the historical understanding of the Asasif necropolis but also confirms its status as one of the significant Middle Kingdom cemeteries.
This discovery enhances knowledge about burial practices and rituals in Thebes during that era, providing valuable insights into ancient Egyptian civilization.
Artifacts revealed from inside the tomb
Inside the tomb, archaeologists found eleven burials that likely belonged to a single family used over generations during the 12th and early 13th Dynasties.
Interestingly, these burials were accompanied by finely crafted jewelry and durable materials such as pottery, which survived ancient floods that destroyed wooden coffins and linen wrappings. Hisham El-Leithy, who oversees Egyptian Antiquities Preservation, shared details about the artifacts recovered.
Among them were beautifully crafted pieces of jewelry including a unique necklace made of 30 amethyst beads with two cylindrical agate beads framing a hippo-head amulet. Additional finds included rings, bracelets, and chains made from red agate, blue and green faience, and stone, all adorned with animal-shaped amulets.
Rare finds and continued exploration
Catherine Blakeney, leader of the American team involved in the mission, highlighted the discovery of two rare copper mirrors in the graves.
One mirror features a handle designed with a lotus flower, while the other depicts the goddess Hathor, portrayed with a stern expression and four faces. Other remarkable items include copper ingots, a small fertility figurine with intricately jeweled black-painted hair, and a square offering table carved with motifs of a bull’s head, bread, and other offerings.
The team plans to continue their excavations in the area, hoping to reveal more secrets of this ancient tomb. Their ongoing work promises to deepen the understanding of the cultural and historical context of Egypt during the Middle Kingdom, shedding light on the lives and practices of its ancient inhabitants.
This series of discoveries not only provides a clearer picture of the past but also sparks curiosity and excitement about what other secrets lie buried in the sands of Egypt, waiting to be uncovered by the diligent efforts of the archaeological community.
