Ancient Tombs of Egypt’s New Kingdom Discovered Near Luxor!
Egypt has once again offered up its ancient secrets. On Luxor’s West Bank, a team of Egyptian archaeologists has uncovered three tombs that date back over 3,000 years, to the New Kingdom period (circa 1550–1070 BCE). These burial sites, located in the Dra Abu el-Naga necropolis near the famed Valley of the Kings, belonged not to royalty but to high-ranking officials who once held powerful roles in Egyptian society.
Photo Credit: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
According to the country’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the tombs belonged to three individuals: Amun-em-Ipet, Baki, and a third man identified only as “S.” Each of these men served in significant administrative or religious positions during the 18th and 19th Dynasties and were laid to rest in a cemetery reserved for elite temple staff and senior officials, fitting, given its proximity to key religious centres and the Nile.
Amun-em-Ipet, who lived during the Ramesside period of the 19th Dynasty (around 1295–1186 BCE), was associated with the temple or estate of Amun, one of the most revered gods in the Theban religion. His tomb, though partially damaged, features a small courtyard and a square hall with a niche at the far end. While much of the decoration has faded with time, some wall paintings remain, depicting traditional scenes of funerary processions and banquets, likely linked to the Beautiful Festival of the Valley—a celebration of the dead.
Photo Credit: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
The other two tombs are from the earlier 18th Dynasty (circa 1550–1292 BCE). One belonged to Baki, a supervisor of grain silos, and the other to “S,” who held several important titles including temple scribe, mayor of the northern oases, and overseer of the Temple of Amun. Baki’s tomb is relatively elaborate, with two courtyards and several chambers, while “S” was buried in a more modest structure featuring a courtyard, a burial shaft, and several unfinished rooms.
Among the treasures uncovered at the site were small statuettes known as shabtis, figures that were traditionally placed in tombs to serve the deceased in the afterlife.
Photo Credit: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
What makes this discovery especially significant is that the entire excavation was carried out by an Egyptian team. It’s a powerful testament to the growing expertise and leadership of local archaeologists in preserving and interpreting their heritage. As the Ministry noted, further excavation and cleaning will shed more light on these individuals and their lives.
The project is part of a wider wave of archaeological activity in the Luxor region. Recent years have seen a number of high-profile discoveries, including the famed “Lost Golden City” unearthed in 2021 and, more recently, a royal tomb linked to the dynasty of King Tutankhamun.
Dr Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, has confirmed that more detailed studies and academic publications will follow once cleaning and documentation are complete. In the meantime, these new finds offer yet another fascinating glimpse into the lives of those who shaped ancient Egypt from behind the throne.