Egypt announces new archaeological discoveries near Luxor

by IANS |

Luxor, Jan 9 (IANS) Archaeologists in Egypt have unearthed significant finds near Luxor, including parts of a temple linked to Queen Hatshepsut, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said.


A team led by Zahi Hawass on Wednesday discovered a well-preserved section of the Valley Temple's foundations, which served as the main gateway to Hatshepsut's funerary temple, dating back to the 18th Dynasty (around 1539-1292 BC), reports Xinhua news agency.


The excavation yielded over 1,000 decorated blocks and fragments with detailed carvings and inscriptions, considered rare examples of sculpture from Hatshepsut's reign and that of her successor, Thutmose III.


The ministry said these inscriptions are the most complete found from the temple, which was deliberately destroyed during the Ramesside Period (around 1292-1077 BC).


More than 100 limestone and quartzite tablets bearing Hatshepsut's royal cartouches (nameplates) were also found. These, along with other foundation deposits, confirm Hatshepsut's ownership of the temple.


The team also uncovered rock-cut tombs and artefacts from the Middle Kingdom (around 1938-1630 BC), including a tomb belonging to "the Overseer of the Palace" of Queen Tetisheri from the 17th Dynasty (around 1630-1540 BC). Burial shafts from the same period, an extensive necropolis, and bronze coins from the Ptolemaic Period (the last dynasty of ancient Egypt) were also discovered.


Abdel-Ghaffar Wagdy, Director General of Luxor Antiquities, told Xinhua that the discoveries, supported by the Ministry, would "undoubtedly help attract more tourists."


Last year in November, an Egyptian-American archaeological team unearthed the first Middle Kingdom-era burials at the Assasif cemetery near Luxor.


The discovery spanned the period from 2055 BC to 1650 BC and is expected to provide new insights into burial practices during the 12th and early 13th dynasties of ancient Egypt.


Excavators found 11 graves containing skeletal remains of men, women, and children, suggesting a multi-generational family burial site.

Latest News
AAP candidates' poaching: ACB sleuths not allowed to enter Kejriwal's house Fri, Feb 07, 2025, 05:01 PM
Insult to humanity: DK Shivakumar condemns 'shackling' of Indian deportees by US Fri, Feb 07, 2025, 04:49 PM
Plane with 10 onboard missing in Alaska Fri, Feb 07, 2025, 04:47 PM
Railway to start running electric trains in southern Assam and Tripura soon Fri, Feb 07, 2025, 04:44 PM
Pakistan: Security forces harass farmers, forcibly collect electricity bills in Punjab province Fri, Feb 07, 2025, 04:43 PM
Sensex, Nifty end lower as investors assess RBI MPC decision Fri, Feb 07, 2025, 04:40 PM
Four killed, several injured in firecracker factory blast at Bengal's Kalyani Fri, Feb 07, 2025, 04:19 PM
Gujarat govt withdraws sedition cases against Patidar leaders Fri, Feb 07, 2025, 04:07 PM
AAP will secure victory in over 50 seats, says Gopal Rai Fri, Feb 07, 2025, 03:26 PM
Warmth, hospitality by Prez Droupadi Murmu made my Rashtrapati Bhavan visit special: Sachin Tendulkar Fri, Feb 07, 2025, 03:23 PM
59 cases of HMPV reported from 11 states in January: Prataprao Jadhav Fri, Feb 07, 2025, 03:18 PM
RBI defers rollout of LCR norms by a year in big relief to banks Fri, Feb 07, 2025, 03:14 PM
UN announces 15 innovation hubs to fuel digital transformation in Kenya Fri, Feb 07, 2025, 03:08 PM
Zambia assures stable HIV drug supply despite US funding halt Fri, Feb 07, 2025, 03:07 PM
NDA MPs from Bihar thank PM Modi for budget bonanza, gift him Madhubani paintings Fri, Feb 07, 2025, 03:06 PM