Egypt announced today new archaeological discoveries that include tombs of high-ranking officials dating back 4,000 years and artifacts from the era of Queen Hatshepsut at an ancient necropolis in the famous city of Luxor.
The artifacts, which came to light after a three-year excavation, were found in the area of Deir al-Bahari, in the necropolis of Thebes, on the west bank of the Nile River, announced Egyptologist Zahi Hawass, who led the expedition in collaboration with the Supreme Council of Antiquities. of Egypt.
The discoveries cover the period from the 15th Dynasty (1650-1550 BC) to the powerful 18th Dynasty (1550-1292 BC) which includes pharaohs such as Queen Hatshepsut and King Tutankhamun.
The team discovered an intact part of the structure of Queen Hatshepsut’s temple, as well as artifacts mainly bas-reliefs and brightly colored inscriptions that have been preserved in remarkably good condition.
#Egypt on Wednesday announced new archaeological findings, including 4,000-year-old tombs belonging to high-ranking officials and artwork from the era of Queen Hatshepsut, at an ancient necropolis in the city of #Luxor.#Archaeology
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The 1,500 decorated boulders depict the queen and her successor, Thutmose III, performing religious rituals.
“These are the most beautiful scenes I have ever seen in my life,” said Hawass, who presented these discoveries.
“This is the first time we have a final set of the decoration of an 18th Dynasty temple,” he told reporters.
Under the foundations of the temple, archaeologists discovered an intact cache of ritual tools inscribed with the name of Queen Hatshepsut.
Among other things, rock-cut tombs of high-ranking officials from the Middle Kingdom era were also discovered, as well as a “palace keeper” tomb of Queen Tetiseri of the 17th Dynasty, grandmother of King Amos, who drove the Hyksos out of Egypt.
The Hyksos, conquerors of western Asia who took control of the Nile Delta around 1638 BC, ruled parts of Egypt until their defeat and expulsion by King Amos in 1530 BC.
Wells containing wooden coffins decorated with the emblem of the 17th Dynasty as well as children’s tombs containing toys and parts of the Ptolemaic Asasif necropolis near the temple of Queen Hatshepsut were also discovered.
Today’s announcement comes as Egypt steps up efforts to restart the tourism sector, a vital source of foreign currency for the struggling economy.
After declining following the political unrest that followed the 2011 uprising, tourism has begun to recover in recent years.
Last year, Egypt welcomed 15.7 million tourists and hopes to attract 18 million visitors this year.
Egypt on Wednesday unveiled new archaeological discoveries, including the 4,000-year-old tombs of high-ranking officials and artwork from the time of Queen Hatshepsut, at an ancient necropolis in the famed city of Luxor.
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