The head of an Egyptian team excavating an area in the Valley of the Monkeys, near the famed Valley of the Kings in Luxor, says they have uncovered an industrial area that includes at least 30 buildings that housed workers. Dr. Zahi Hawass says some of the huts consist of two rooms, an inner room probably for sleeping, and an antechamber with stone along its wall. Most of the huts contained fireplaces inside and outside the rooms. The discovery reveals much about the lives of the workmen, and how the artifacts, decorations, coffins and funerary items were produced. The archaeologists have been working in the area since December 2017. Hawass is also looking for the tombs of queen Nefertiti and Ankhsenamun, her daughter and widow of Tutankhamun, which may be nearby.
New Discoveries in Egypt's Valley of the Monkeys
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A group of tourists visiting the western Valley of Monkeys during the discovery announcement. (H. Elrasam/VOA)
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Dr. Hawass thinks this valley could contain more tombs from the Amarna family of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. (H. Elrasam/VOA)
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Among the findings were mummified feet and limestone ostraca (pottery fragments that contain inscriptions) that hold academic and historic value. (H. Elrasam/VOA)
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Stone tools and other items found during the excavations. Dr. Hawass says a second expedition working in the East Valley is the largest since Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. (H. Elrasam/VOA)