On Wednesday, Egypt announced significant archaeological discoveries in Luxor, including 4,000-year-old tombs of high-ranking officials and intricate artwork dating back to the time of Queen Hatshepsut. The findings were made during a three-year excavation in the Deir al-Bahari area, part of the ancient necropolis of Thebes on the Nile’s west bank.
Led by renowned Egyptologist Zahi Hawass in cooperation with Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, the discoveries span from the 15th to the 18th dynasties, covering notable rulers like Queen Hatshepsut and King Tutankhamun. Among the highlights was the unveiling of an intact section of the valley temple's foundation from Hatshepsut’s funerary complex, adorned with vivid bas-reliefs and inscriptions, showcasing rituals involving Hatshepsut and her successor, Thutmose III.
Hawass described the artwork as “the most beautiful scene I have ever seen in my life,” emphasizing that this discovery marks the first complete depiction of a temple decoration from the 18th dynasty. Beneath the temple, archaeologists also uncovered ceremonial tools inscribed with Hatshepsut’s name.
Additional significant finds include the rock-cut tombs of officials from the Middle Kingdom and an 18th-dynasty tomb of the Overseer of the Palace during the reign of Queen Tetisheri, the grandmother of King Ahmose I. Also discovered were burial shafts containing wooden coffins with a feather emblem from the 17th dynasty, as well as children’s graves with toys.
This announcement comes as Egypt works to boost its tourism sector, a vital contributor to the country’s economy. Egypt received 15.7 million tourists in 2023 and is targeting 18 million in 2024.
