Archaeologists have made a significant discovery in the South Asasif necropolis, located near the famed Temple of Hatshepsut on the West Bank of the Nile. A joint Egyptian-American mission unearthed an ancient tomb dating back to the Middle Kingdom (1938-1630 BC).
The tomb contains 11 sealed burials, including those of men, women, and children, suggesting it was a family tomb used over generations. While many of the wooden coffins and linen wrappings were damaged by floods, several artifacts, such as jewelry and copper mirrors, were found intact.
According to Egypt’s Tourism and Antiquities Ministry, the tomb appears to have served as a family burial site used across generations during the 12th and early 13th Dynasties. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities in Egypt, noted that the tomb housed coffins belonging to men, women, and children. While ancient floods have damaged many of the wooden coffins and linen wrappings, some artifacts remain remarkably well-preserved.
The discovery of this ancient tomb is a major milestone for Egyptian archaeologists and a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the region.
