A treasure trove of knowledge about ancient Egyptian living was sitting undisturbed for 3,600 years!

Archaeologists working near Luxor, Egypt, have uncovered a remarkable series of discoveries along the west bank of the Nile River, including rock-cut tombs, burial shafts, and even part of Queen Hatshepsut’s Valley Temple. Some of these artifacts date back thousands of years, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient Egyptian life and practices. The findings promise to significantly deepen our understanding of Egypt’s rich history.

Among the newly uncovered tombs and burial shafts, archaeologists discovered a wealth of artifacts that shed light on life around 1500 B.C. These include bronze coins with the image of Alexander the Great, funerary masks, scarabs, amulets, and even children's clay toys. Some of the tombs also contained pottery tables used for offering bread, wine, and meat, and archer’s bows suggesting ties to Egypt’s military. While looting has taken its toll on some of the more precious items over the centuries, these discoveries still provide invaluable insights into the ancient world.

Notably, parts of Queen Hatshepsut’s Valley Temple were also uncovered, offering clues about the architectural grandeur of the Middle Kingdom. The tombs themselves span several periods, including the Middle Kingdom (1938-1630 B.C.) and the 17th dynasty (1580-1550 B.C.), with some burial shafts still containing wooden coffins. One of the tombs belongs to Djehuti-Mes, the overseer of Queen Teti Sheri’s palace, and features an engraved funerary monument that dates it to the reign of King Ahmose I, around 1550 to 1525 B.C.

These discoveries are more than just archaeological treasures—they have the potential to reconstruct important chapters of Egypt’s ancient history, giving us a deeper understanding of the lives, rituals, and societal structures of one of the world’s greatest civilizations.