Egyptian archaeologists discovered an ancient tomb and coffins dating back 3,500 years [1] in Luxor’s Abu el-Naga area.

The find highlights the ongoing effort by the Egyptian government to recover and preserve artifacts from the New Kingdom era. These discoveries provide critical data on burial customs, and social hierarchies of ancient Egyptian society.

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy and the Supreme Council of Antiquities said the find was part of ongoing archaeological excavations [1]. The discovery occurred in the Dra’ Abu al-Naga area, located on the West Bank of Luxor [1, 2]. The project is part of a broader strategy by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities to monitor and manage archaeological sites across the region [1].

While the Egypt Independent reports the coffins are 3,500 years old [1], other reports of nearby excavations in the Luxor region have cited the discovery of tombs dating back 4,000 years [3]. This range of dates reflects the long period of use for the West Bank as a primary necropolis for the region's elite.

The excavation team focused on the Abu el-Naga site, which is known for its density of royal and noble tombs. The recovery of these coffins allows researchers to examine the materials, and artistry used in funerary practices during this specific epoch.

Minister Fathy said the discovery is a result of the ministry's systematic monitoring of projects in the area [1]. The site continues to be a focal point for Egyptian archaeological teams seeking to uncover the hidden history of the Nile Valley.

“Egyptian archaeologists discovered an ancient tomb and coffins dating back 3,500 years.”

The discovery in the Abu el-Naga area underscores Luxor's enduring status as one of the world's most significant archaeological hubs. By uncovering artifacts from both the 3,500 and 4,000-year marks, researchers can better map the chronological evolution of burial rites, and the expansion of the Theban necropolis over several millennia.