Archaeologists Unearth 3,000-Year-Old Statesmen’s Tombs in Ancient Egypt
In February 2025, a British-Egyptian archaeology team revealed the tomb of King Thutmose II in Luxor. This finding marked the first of its kind in over a hundred years and provided vital insights into the ancient monarch. Following this extraordinary discovery, another archaeological group has revealed yet another find in Luxor: tombs that are 3,000 years old dedicated to three notable statesmen.
As stated by Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities on Instagram, the tombs were found in the Dra’Abul El Naga region on the West Bank of Luxor and date to the New Kingdom period (1539–1077 BCE). Each of the tombs contains inscriptions that enabled the team to ascertain the names and functions of the three statesmen. One tomb, for example, is attributed to Amun-em-Ipet, from the Ramesside era, who was engaged in the estate of Amun. Despite significant destruction of its structure, the tomb includes a small courtyard leading to an entrance and a square hall, concluding with a niche. Images of funeral furniture bearers, a banquet scene, and inscriptions are still discernible.
The other two tombs are from the 18th Dynasty, with one associated with Baki, a supervisor of granaries, and the other attributed to “ES,” who held notable roles as a supervisor of the Temple of Amun and mayor of the Northern Oases, according to the statement. Baki’s tomb features a courtyard that connects to a principal entrance, a transverse hall, and an unfinished chamber that has a burial well. Es’s tomb is similarly structured, boasting a small courtyard with a well, followed by a main entrance and a transverse hall that leads to an incomplete hall.
The discovery received acclaim from Sherif Fathy, the tourism and antiquities minister, who described it as a “substantial enhancement to Egypt’s extensive archaeological history,” ultimately strengthening its “standing on the international cultural tourism landscape.” He also highlighted that the archaeological team was entirely composed of Egyptians, showcasing their “expertise and abilities.” Dr. Mohammed Ismail Khaled, the secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, noted that additional cleaning and examination of the inscriptions and burial shafts are currently in progress and that the discovery “emphasizes the wealth and variety of tombs” at Dra’Abul El Naga.
For more information about the three tombs and future archaeological endeavors, visit the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities website.
An entirely Egyptian archaeological team has discovered three tombs belonging to influential statesmen in Luxor, marking yet another impressive find in the region.
The tomb of Ramses III, with its pillared hall and descent to a lower level, serves as an illustration of an ancient Egyptian tomb. (Photo: R Prazeres via Wikimedia Commons, CC 4.0)
Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities: Website | Instagram
Sources: The Egyptian archaeological mission working in the Draa Abul Naga area on the West Bank of Luxor has found three tombs from the New Kingdom; Egyptian archaeologists find three tombs in Luxor; Over 3,000-Year-Old Tombs Unearthed in Egypt
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