Discovery of Two Tombs Dating Back 3,500 Years Announced in Egypt
Egyptian excavation workers restore a mummy in a newly discovered tomb in the Draa Abul Naga necropolis on Luxor’s West Bank known as KAMPP 150, in Luxor, Egypt, Dec. 9, 2017.(H. Elrasam/VOA)
Egypt authorities announced Saturday that archaeologists had discovered two small ancient tombs in Luxor, a southern city.
The tombs date back about 3,500 years and are located on the west bank of the river Nile.
"It's truly an exceptional day. … The 18th dynasty private tombs were already known. But it's the first time to enter inside the two tombs," Antiquities Minister Khaled al-Anani said.
Egyptian officials hope the discovery will help the country's efforts to revive tourism.
Egyptian excavation workers restore funeral furniture found in a newly discovered tomb, Kampp 161, in the Draa Abul Naga necropolis on Luxor’s West Bank, Egypt, Dec. 9, 2017. (H. Elrasam/VOA)
The minister said one tomb has five entrances that lead to a rectangular hall where two burial shafts are located on the northern and southern sides of the tomb.
The tomb contains a mummy wrapped in linen, clay vessels, a collection of about 450 statues, and painted wooden funerary masks.
Al-Anani said a cartouche carved on the ceiling bears the name of King Thutmose I of the early 18th dynasty.
The other tomb has a 6-meter burial shaft "leading to four side chambers," which contained artifacts including fragments of wooden coffins. The wall inscriptions and paintings are believed to belong to an era between the reigns of King Amenhotep II and King Thutmose IV, both pharaohs of the 18th dynasty.
IN PHOTOS:Discovery of Two Ancient Tombs Announced in Egypt
Discovery of Two Ancient Tombs Announced in Egypt
1/10This mummy wrapped in linen, with its hands on its chest in the Osirian form, was found inside the long chamber of the Kampp 150 tomb. Studies suggest that the mummy could have been a top official or a powerful person in the Draa Abul Naga necropolis on Luxor’s West Bank, in Luxor, Egypt, Dec. 9, 2017. (H. Elrasam/VOA)
The tombs are the latest discovery in Luxor, which is known for its temples and tombs from different dynasties of ancient Egyptian history.
2/10Egyptian excavation workers restore a mummy in a newly discovered tomb, known as Kampp 150, in the Draa Abul Naga necropolis on Luxor’s West Bank, Egypt, Dec. 9, 2017.(H. Elrasam/VOA)
The tombs are the latest discovery in Luxor, which is known for its temples and tombs from different dynasties of ancient Egyptian history.
3/10An Egyptian excavation worker restores a coffin found inside the Kampp 150 tomb in the Draa Abul Naga necropolis on Luxor’s West Bank, Egypt, Dec. 9, 2017. (H. Elrasam/VOA)
The tombs are the latest discovery in Luxor, which is known for its temples and tombs from different dynasties of ancient Egyptian history.
4/10Egyptian excavation workers restore funeral furniture found in a newly discovered tomb, Kampp 161, in the Draa Abul Naga necropolis on Luxor’s West Bank, Egypt, Dec. 9, 2017. (H. Elrasam/VOA)
The tombs are the latest discovery in Luxor, which is known for its temples and tombs from different dynasties of ancient Egyptian history.
5/10Tourists snap photos of a mural depicting a funeral inside the recently discovered Kampp 161 tomb in the Draa Abul Naga necropolis on Luxor’s west bank, Egypt, Dec. 9, 2017. (H. Elrasam/VOA)
The tombs are the latest discovery in Luxor, which is known for its temples and tombs from different dynasties of ancient Egyptian history.
6/10A collection of 450 Ushabti statues made of clay, wood or other materials are displayed near a newly discovered tomb in the Draa Abul Naga necropolis on Luxor’s west bank, Egypt, Dec. 9, 2017. (H. Elrasam/VOA)
The tombs are the latest discovery in Luxor, which is known for its temples and tombs from different dynasties of ancient Egyptian history.
7/10Egyptian excavation workers guard a wooden statue of Isis-Nefert, a wife of Ramesses II, on display near a newly opened tomb known as Kampp 161 during an announcement by the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities about new discoveries in Luxor, Egypt, Dec. 9, 2017. (H. Elrasam/VOA)
The tombs are the latest discovery in Luxor, which is known for its temples and tombs from different dynasties of ancient Egyptian history.
8/10Egyptian excavation workers restore clay vessels with different shapes near a newly discovered tomb in the Draa Abul Naga necropolis on Luxor’s west bank, Egypt, Dec. 9, 2017. (H. Elrasam/VOA)
The tombs are the latest discovery in Luxor, which is known for its temples and tombs from different dynasties of ancient Egyptian history.
9/10Tourists look at 100 funerary cones on display found in the tomb of Kampp 150 in the Draa Abul Naga necropolis on Luxor’s west bank, Egypt, Dec. 9, 2017. Such cones were generally placed on outer walls of tombs, above the entrance. (H. Elrasam/VOA)
The tombs are the latest discovery in Luxor, which is known for its temples and tombs from different dynasties of ancient Egyptian history.
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The tombs are the latest discovery in Luxor, which is known for its temples and tombs from different dynasties of ancient Egyptian history.
Al-Anani also visited a nearby site where the famous Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is located. For the first time, the temple's main sanctuary, known as the Holy of Holies, was opened.
The Antiquities Ministry has made a series of discoveries since the beginning of 2017.
In September, Egyptian archaeologists announced they had found the tomb of a royal goldsmith whose work was dedicated to the ancient Egyptian god Amun. The goldsmith lived more than 3,000 years ago. In the tomb, there were mummies, jewelry and statues.
WATCH: Egypt Announces Discovery of Two Ancient Tombs in Luxor
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