A joint Egyptian-American archaeological mission has uncovered an astonishing find in Luxor: 11 sealed burials, likely spanning several generations from Egypt’s 12th and early 13th Dynasties.
The discovery, announced by Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, was made near the South Asasif necropolis, close to the Temple of Hatshepsut on the Nile’s West Bank.
The graves contained skeletons of men, women, and children, indicating they belonged to a family that may have used the tomb for multiple generations.
“The joint Egyptian-American archaeological mission working on the restoration project of the South Asasif necropolis has discovered the first medieval cemetery containing many unopened burials,” the ministry stated.
“Inside, the team found graves for men, women, and children, as well as a collection of unique artifacts.”
Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained that while most of the burials were heavily damaged due to ancient floods, some treasures were remarkably preserved.
The floods had degraded the coffins’ timber and ruined much of the wrapped linen fabrics, but a range of artifacts, including jewelry and mirrors, survived.
The jewelry, in particular, has drawn significant attention. One necklace, described as a unique and intricate piece, was crafted from 30 cylinder-shaped beads of amethyst and two agate beads framing a hippopotamus head. Other items included brass mirrors found within two of the burials, each of an extraordinary design.
One mirror handle bore a lotus shape, while another presented the goddess Hathor’s face, depicted with four expressions showing her in varying aspects, including as a strong, intense woman.
Among the most striking finds was a figurine, described by Dr. Elena Batchkova, director of the South Asasif Preservation Project, as an “important discovery.”
This figurine, crafted in Venetian blue and green stone, depicts a woman with detailed jewelry, dark painted hair, and severed legs. Found alongside it were approximately 4,000 clay beads, which likely represented her hair.
The figurine and accompanying jewelry pieces suggest a level of artistic detail unusual for that period, providing fresh insights into the aesthetic and religious values of ancient Egyptian families.
The mission’s findings contribute to a broader understanding of Egypt’s burial practices, especially during the transitional period between the Middle Kingdom and the Second Intermediate Period.
The presence of men, women, and children in the same tomb complex also sheds light on the structure of family burials in ancient Egypt, with these elaborate resting places likely serving as multi-generational memorials.
This discovery follows other major archaeological findings in Egypt. Just this June, 36 tombs containing as many as 40 mummies each were found in Aswan, a city on the Nile’s east bank dating back 4,500 years.
These Aswan tombs are believed to date between 600 BC and 300 AD, a period that saw Egypt under Persian, Ptolemaic, and Roman rule.
As archaeologists continue to study the newly discovered graves, experts believe the artifacts and skeletons will offer valuable insights into the family dynamics, religious beliefs, and craftsmanship of the Middle Kingdom era.
The intricate jewelry and figurines suggest a culture that valued artistic beauty and the divine, leaving behind an enduring legacy through these ancient treasures.