While excavating an ancient Egyptian necropolis near Luxor, archaeologists uncovered a 3,800-year-old tomb that held the remains of 11 individuals, including five women, two men, three children, and one unidentified person. The burials were wrapped in linen and placed in wooden coffins, dating back to the 12th and 13th dynasties.
This tomb, dating back to the Middle Kingdom period, is the first of its kind discovered in the area, shedding light on a time when Egypt was unified and prosperous. Among the artifacts found in the tomb were various pieces of jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, armlets, and scarab rings. Two of the burials contained copper-alloy mirrors with ivory handles, one of which depicted the goddess Hathor.
One standout artifact was a necklace adorned with 30 amethyst barrel beads and a “Ba” amulet in the center. The Ba, considered a part of the soul in ancient Egypt, was often represented in bird form. Additionally, a green-blue glazed faience fertility figurine with truncated legs was discovered, decorated with jewelry and markings.
Egyptologist Wolfram Grajetzki noted that the jewelry found in the tomb is typical for the Middle Kingdom period, with amethyst being a popular stone during that time. He mentioned that Luxor likely housed many Middle Kingdom tombs that were destroyed during later periods, making this discovery quite significant.
The excavation provides valuable insight into the lives and beliefs of ancient Egyptians during the Middle Kingdom period. The presence of intricate jewelry and symbolic artifacts underscores the importance of personal adornments and spiritual beliefs in Egyptian culture. This discovery adds to our understanding of ancient burial practices and family legacies in ancient Egypt, highlighting the rich history and heritage of this civilization.
