Egyptian archaeologists have uncovered three ancient rock-cut tombs in the Qubbet el-Hawa necropolis near Aswan, offering new insight into a pivotal transitional period in Egypt’s early dynastic history. The tombs, which date back to the Old Kingdom period (2686–2181 BCE), were discovered during the current excavation season by an Egyptian archaeological team, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced Saturday.
According to Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, initial analysis suggests that some of the tombs were reused during the Middle Kingdom (2055–1650 BCE), highlighting the long-standing importance of Qubbet el-Hawa as a regional burial ground over centuries.
“This discovery sheds light on a little-understood transitional period between the end of the Old Kingdom and the beginning of the First Intermediate Period,” said Khaled in an official statement. “It enhances our understanding of both the continuity and transformation of burial practices in southern Egypt.”
Qubbet el-Hawa, located on the west bank of the Nile opposite Aswan, has long been a focus of archaeological interest. The site contains a collection of tombs belonging to nobles, governors, and priests who played crucial roles in ancient Egyptian administration and religious life. Past excavations have revealed richly decorated chapels, hieroglyphic inscriptions, and funerary artifacts dating across several dynastic eras.
The ministry did not disclose specific artifacts or human remains found within the newly uncovered tombs, but further research and conservation work are expected to follow in the coming months.
The discovery adds to a string of recent archaeological finds across Egypt, part of a broader national strategy to revitalize the country’s cultural heritage and promote archaeological tourism. Egyptian authorities continue to highlight such discoveries as emblematic of the country’s enduring historical legacy and scientific leadership in the field of Egyptology.
In‑Depth Findings from Qubbet el‑Hawa
In a detailed press release, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities outlined the key features of the three tombs:
Tomb 1:
- Completely devoid of inscriptions.
- Contains an open courtyard with two false doors and two offering tables.
- Houses pottery vessels, deteriorated coffins, and human skeletal remains.
- A burial well was found in the courtyard, containing collapsed wooden coffins, bones, and Old Kingdom-era pottery adorned with hieratic inscriptions.
Tomb 2:
- Located west of Tomb 1 and likewise uninscribed.
- Also includes two offering tables and pottery, some dating to the Middle Kingdom.
- Its architectural design suggests an original construction at the end of the Old Kingdom or the start of the First Intermediate Period, later reused in the Middle Kingdom.
Tomb 3:
- Situated west of the New Kingdom-era tomb of Ka-Kem.
- Uninscribed and architecturally distinct from the first two.
- Contains a rich collection of well-preserved pottery and skeletal remains, including several child burials.
- Archaeological evidence dates it firmly to the Old Kingdom period.
These discoveries reinforce Qubbet el-Hawa’s standing as a major funerary site in southern Egypt and contribute significantly to our understanding of the architectural evolution, chronological sequencing, and burial rituals during Egypt’s transitional eras.
