In a major archaeological announcement on Monday, Egypt revealed the discovery of three tombs belonging to prominent New Kingdom officials in the Dra Abu al-Naga necropolis on the Nile’s west bank near Luxor. The tombs—dating from the 18th Dynasty through the Ramesside period (1550–1070 B.C.)—shed fresh light on the lives, titles, and burial customs of Egypt’s ancient elite.
The find, announced by Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, comes as the country prepares for the anticipated full opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum—set to be the largest archaeological museum in the world.
Inscriptions Reveal Lives of Powerful Officials
According to a statement released by the ministry, archaeologists were able to identify the tombs’ owners through inscriptions and iconography preserved within the burial chambers. The newly discovered tombs belonged to:
- Amum-em-Ipet, an official from the Ramesside period, who served in the estate of Amun—one of the most powerful religious institutions in ancient Thebes.
- Baki, an 18th Dynasty figure who oversaw grain storage operations—a key role in the Nile-based economy.
- A yet-unconfirmed official referred to as “S,” who held multiple prestigious positions, including mayor of the northern oases, scribe, and temple supervisor.
“The architectural elements and preserved inscriptions offer us a rare glimpse into the administrative and religious hierarchies of New Kingdom Egypt,” said Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities. “We continue to study the site in hopes of further identifying key individuals and understanding their contributions.”
Architectural Insights from the Tombs
Though time and erosion have taken their toll, the tombs remain remarkable in both layout and cultural value.
- Amum-em-Ipet’s tomb, though partially destroyed, retains wall scenes of funerary processions and banquets, hinting at the elaborate rituals practiced for elite burials. The tomb features a courtyard, an entrance hall, and a square chamber ending in a niche, now missing its western wall.
- Baki’s tomb includes a large courtyard, a corridor-like hall, and a complex inner layout with both transverse and longitudinal chambers, culminating in an unfinished burial well—suggesting a sudden halt to construction, possibly due to death or shifting political circumstances.
- The tomb attributed to “S” begins with a courtyard and a well, and leads into an incomplete sequence of transverse and longitudinal halls, again suggesting an unfinished or interrupted burial project.
A Catalyst for Cultural Tourism and National Pride
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathi praised the discovery as “a scientifically significant and culturally transformative achievement,” underlining the central role of archaeology in Egypt’s strategy to revitalize tourism and promote national heritage.
“These discoveries not only enhance our understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization but also serve as a key driver of cultural tourism. Luxor remains a living museum—where every excavation adds a new chapter to the global human story,” Fathi said.
The ministry also released photographs showing ceremonial statues, inscribed fragments, and tools retrieved from the burial sites.
Ongoing Momentum in the Heart of Ancient Thebes
The Dra Abu al-Naga find is the latest in a series of high-profile archaeological breakthroughs in the Luxor region:
- January 2025: Rock-cut tombs and burial shafts were unearthed near Queen Hatshepsut’s funerary temple at Deir al-Bahri, dating back approximately 3,600 years.
- Late 2024: A joint Egyptian-American mission uncovered 11 sealed burials from the Middle Kingdom at the South Asasif necropolis, adjacent to Hatshepsut’s temple complex.
These discoveries add mounting excitement ahead of the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum opening this summer. Located near the Giza Pyramids, the facility is expected to house over 100,000 artifacts, including the complete Tutankhamun collection, and is poised to become a cornerstone of Egypt’s cultural diplomacy.
