Egypt unearths 3,400-year-old cemetery from New Kingdom era packed with ancient treasures

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the discovery of a 3,400-year-old ancient cemetery from the New Kingdom era at the Tuna El-Gebel necropolis in the southern Minya governorate.

These burial grounds belonged to high-ranking officials and priests of ancient Egypt, according to Mostafa Waziri, the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities.

Waziri said the excavation, led by an Egyptian archaeological team, has unearthed a large number of rock-cut tombs and hundreds of other archaeological finds in the Al-Ghuraifa region.

โ€œThe discovery of a new kingdom cemetery in the fifteenth nome of Upper Egypt is a premiere.โ€

Waziri indicated that these grounds were traditionally known for old and middle kingdom burials. This discovery follows seven years of excavation efforts in the area.

Many uncovered artefacts include a well-preserved papyrus measuring around 16-18 metres in length. Preliminary studies suggest the text pertains to the Book of the Dead. Also found was a colourfully engraved wooden coffin belonging to a daughter of the high priest of Djehuti, an ancient Egyptian god.

The archaeological team, which has been exploring the Al-Ghuraifa region since 2017, also unearthed a variety of trinkets, jewellery, stones, mummified wooden coffins, and small engraved figures called Ushabti, crafted from clay and wood.

Egypt unearths 3,400-year-old cemetery from New Kingdom era packed with ancient treasures | News by Thaiger
A cemetery dating back to the New Kingdom of ancient Egypt was unearthed at Tuna El-Gebel necropolis in southern Egyptโ€™s Minya governorate, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced on Sunday. Picture courtesy of (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai.
Egypt unearths 3,400-year-old cemetery from New Kingdom era packed with ancient treasures | News by Thaiger
Mostafa Waziri, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), said the cemetery, dating back about 3,400 years to ancient Egyptโ€™s New Kingdom, belonged to senior officials and priests. Picture courtesy of Xinhua/Sui Xiankai.
Egypt unearths 3,400-year-old cemetery from New Kingdom era packed with ancient treasures | News by Thaiger
Egypt unearths โ€œcemeteryโ€ โ€“ This photo taken on October 15, shows a painting on a coloured mummy coffin unearthed at a cemetery in Minya Governorate, Egypt. Picture courtesy of (Xinhua/Ahmed.

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Nattapong Westwood

Nattapong Westwood is a Bangkok-born writer who is half Thai and half Aussie. He studied in an international school in Bangkok and then pursued journalism studies in Melbourne. Nattapong began his career as a freelance writer before joining Thaiger. His passion for news writing fuels his dedication to the craft, as he consistently strives to deliver engaging content to his audience.

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