On Wednesday, Egypt revealed significant archaeological discoveries, including 4,000-year-old tombs of high-ranking officials and artwork from the reign of Queen Hatshepsut, found in Luxor’s ancient necropolis. The findings, resulting from a three-year excavation, were uncovered in the Deir al-Bahari area of the Thebes necropolis, on the Nile’s west bank. Zahi Hawass, a renowned Egyptologist, led the mission in collaboration with Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities.
The artifacts span the period from the 15th dynasty (1650-1550 BC) to the 18th dynasty (1550-1292 BC), which included prominent pharaohs such as Queen Hatshepsut and King Tutankhamun.
Among the discoveries, the team unearthed a well-preserved portion of the foundation of Queen Hatshepsut’s valley temple, along with intricate bas-reliefs and inscriptions in vivid colors. Some of the 1,500 decorated blocks depict the queen and her successor, Thutmose III, engaging in sacred rituals.
“This is the most beautiful scene I have ever seen in my life,” said Hawass, who personally unveiled the discoveries at the temple. “This is the first time we have a complete program of temple decoration from the 18th dynasty.”
Underneath the temple’s foundation, archaeologists found ceremonial tools engraved with Queen Hatshepsut’s name. Other key discoveries included the rock-cut tombs of senior Middle Kingdom officials and an 18th-dynasty tomb belonging to the “Overseer of the Palace” of Queen Tetisheri, the grandmother of King Ahmose I, who drove out the Hyksos invaders.
The announcement coincides with Egypt’s efforts to boost its tourism industry, a vital source of foreign currency for the nation’s struggling economy. Last year, Egypt attracted 15.7 million tourists and is aiming for 18 million this year.
