An ancient tomb containing 11 sealed burials has been discovered near Luxor by archaeologists from Egypt and the US, according to authorities. The tomb, which dates back to the Middle Kingdom (1938 BC-1630 BC), was found in the South Asasif necropolis, adjacent to the Temple of Hatshepsut on the Nile’s West Bank in the Egyptian city.
The joint Egyptian-American mission unearthed coffins for men, women and children, suggesting it was a family tomb used over generations during the 12th and early 13th dynasties, explained Mohamed Ismail Khaled, secretary-general of the supreme council of antiquities in Egypt. He noted that ancient floods had destroyed most of the wooden coffins and linen wrappings.
However, some items such as jewellery in women’s burials were found intact, including a finely-crafted necklace with 30 amethyst beads and two cylindrical agate beads framing a hippo-head amulet, the ministry reported. Catherine Blakeney, chief American archaeologist with the mission, revealed they found two copper mirrors, one with a lotus-shaped handle and the second with a unique design of Hathor, the ancient Egyptian goddess of the sky, women, fertility and love.
This discovery comes as Egypt is increasing efforts to attract more tourists, a significant source of foreign currency for the cash-strapped North African country.
Tourism, a sector heavily reliant on Egypt’s wealth of pharaonic artifacts, experienced a prolonged slump following the political unrest and violence that ensued after the 2011 uprising. Just last month, the Grand Egyptian Museum, an ambitious project located near the renowned Giza Pyramids, unveiled 12 halls showcasing pharaonic artifacts to visitors as a trial run before its official opening, which is yet to be announced.
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