Ancient Tomb with Eleven Burials Discovered in Luxor

A joint Egyptian-American archaeological team has discovered an ancient tomb near Luxor, dating back nearly 4,000 years to the Middle Kingdom (1938-1630 BCE), containing 11 sealed burials of men, women, and children, indicating it was a family burial site used across generations. The tomb, found in the South Asasif necropolis next to the Temple of Hatshepsut, is the first of its kind in the area and offers insights into funerary practices from the 12th and 13th dynasties. Despite damage from ancient floods that destroyed many wooden coffins and linen wrappings, several well-preserved artifacts were recovered, including jewelry, a hippo-head amulet, and two copper mirrors depicting the goddess Hathor. The discovery is significant for Egypt's tourism efforts, as it highlights the rich history of Luxor, a major archaeological hotspot. Archaeologists believe the findings will reshape the understanding of the South Asasif's historical significance, previously thought to contain only later dynasty burials. This unexpected find was made during the restoration of a nearby 25th Dynasty tomb.