Three Newly Discovered New Kingdom Tombs in Luxor!

Three Newly Discovered New Kingdom Tombs in Luxor!

An Egyptian mission recently made fascinating discoveries in the Dra Abu el-Naga excavation area on the West Bank of Luxor. Reported on June 1, 2025 Selket that three rock tombs from the New Kingdom were uncovered. These tombs date from the Ramesside period, which lasted from approximately 1300 to 1070 BC. BC held the Egyptian throne, and are a valuable addition to the understanding of the burial culture of this era.

The grave owners could be identified through inscriptions. The first grave belongs to Amun-em-Ipet, a temple employee. In this tomb, whose wall paintings are partially damaged, scenes of sacrifices, feasts and funeral processions can be seen. It is characterized by a forecourt, a grave entrance and a rectangular hall with a niche. Interestingly, the western wall of the niche was later removed to make room for an additional hall.

Detailed discoveries

The second tomb was dated to the 18th Dynasty and belonged to a Baki who served as an overseer of the granaries. The layout of the tomb begins with two corridor-shaped courtyards before leading to a main entrance and two halls leading to an unfinished shrine with a burial shaft.

The third grave is only known to the owner by the first letter “S”. He was a scribe with outstanding titles, including head of the Amun Temple of the Oases and mayor of the northern oases. This tomb begins with a small courtyard containing a grave shaft and ends in a transverse hall and an unfinished chamber. Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khalid, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, expressed hope for further scientific publications on these important finds.

Dra Abu el-Naga – A historical place

Dra Abu el-Naga is a major necropolis near the Valley of the Kings in Thebes. According to information from Wikipedia This cemetery has been used as a burial site almost continuously for around 2,500 years. The oldest tombs date from the late 11th Dynasty.

The intensive use of the necropolis illustrates its importance. Numerous important burials, including those of high priests and other high-ranking figures, took place here in the 17th and early 18th dynasties. Dra Abu el-Naga was a central residential cemetery during the early Middle Kingdom and the beginning of the New Kingdom. The direct location opposite the Karnak Temple reinforced the sacred significance of the place.

Archaeological work at Dra Abu el-Naga has been active since 2001, with significant discoveries such as royal coffins and tombs already documented. These recent finds emphasize the continued relevance of this historical site and strengthen the research community's interest in studying Egyptian history.