Ancient Egypt, a civilization that continues to mesmerize the world thousands of years later, has delivered yet another breathtaking discovery. Along the west bank of the Nile River, near Luxor, archaeologists have unearthed a treasure trove of artifacts and burial sites that could reshape what we know about life during the Middle Kingdom and beyond.
Picture this: rock-cut tombs and burial shafts dating back an incredible 3,600 years, complete with fascinating remnants of a time when pharaohs ruled, the gods were everywhere, and life hummed with rituals that connected the earthly to the divine.
This major find comes courtesy of the Zahi Hawass Foundation for Antiquities & Heritage, in collaboration with Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities. Since September 2022, teams have been working near Queen Hatshepsut’s iconic funerary temple, and their patience has paid off spectacularly.
Among the discoveries are parts of Queen Hatshepsut’s Valley Temple from the Middle Kingdom and burial shafts linked to the 17th dynasty, which date back to between 1580 and 1550 B.C. Some of these shafts even held wooden coffins and the poignant remains of a young child, offering glimpses into the lives—and deaths—of ancient Egyptians.
But it’s not just the tombs and shafts that are captivating scholars. The wealth of artifacts found at the site is astonishing. There are bronze coins bearing the image of Alexander the Great, funerary masks still covering mummies, winged scarabs, clay children’s toys, amulets, and funerary beads. These objects whisper stories of how ancient Egyptians lived, mourned, and even played.
Pottery tables used for offerings of bread, wine, and meat paint a vivid picture of the rituals that honored both gods and the departed. And the discovery of archer’s bows hints at ties to the Egyptian military, connecting these tombs to individuals who may have played pivotal roles in their society.
One tomb in particular, belonging to Djehuti-Mes, the overseer of Queen Teti Sheri’s palace, provides a direct link to the reign of King Ahmose I, around 1550 to 1525 B.C. While many artifacts were lost to looters over the centuries, the funerary monument within the tomb, adorned with detailed engravings, remains a valuable window into that time.
The plot thickens with the discovery of part of the Assassif Ptolemaic Necropolis, constructed from mud bricks atop remnants of Queen Hatshepsut’s temple. While sections of this necropolis had been uncovered in the past, much of it went undocumented—until now. This adds yet another layer of historical intrigue to an already rich site.
And here’s the kicker: this isn’t even the first groundbreaking find in the area in recent months. In November 2024, Egyptian and American archaeologists found 11 sealed burials in a nearby Middle Kingdom tomb. These graves held skeletons of men, women, and children, along with stunning pieces of jewelry linking them to elite families. It’s a reminder that the Luxor region remains a hotspot for unraveling Egypt’s ancient mysteries.
As the discoveries keep piling up, one thing is clear: every artifact, every tomb, and every shaft is like a puzzle piece in the vast tapestry of ancient Egypt. And thanks to these ongoing efforts, we’re inching ever closer to reconstructing the incredible history of one of humanity’s most fascinating civilizations. Stay tuned—who knows what other secrets are waiting to emerge from the sands of time?
