In Egypt, archaeologists have uncovered a tomb from the Middle Kingdom period in the South Asasif necropolis near Luxor. This discovery marks the first tomb from the Middle Kingdom found in this area, writes Heritage Daily.
The project's lead expert on the preservation of South Asasif, Elena Pishikova, explained that the tomb dates back to approximately 1938-1630 BC and contains remains believed to belong to several generations of a single family.
Inside, they found coffins, which, although significantly damaged by flooding, indicate that they held the remains of men, women, and children from the 12th and early 13th dynasties.
The harsh conditions have severely affected the wooden coffins and linen wrappings used for mummification; however, many artifacts showcasing the high status of the deceased have survived. Archaeologists discovered a large collection of artifacts, including semi-precious jewelry such as necklaces, rings, and bracelets, as well as intricate glazed pottery and painted stones adorned with images of hippos, falcons, and snakes.
Mohamed Abdel-Badi, head of the Central Department of Artifacts in Upper Egypt, noted a rare blue-green faience figurine, two copper mirrors with unique designs, and a necklace made of amethyst beads and carved agate elements. One of the mirrors has a lotus-shaped handle, while the other is decorated with an image of Hathor, an ancient Egyptian goddess associated with the sky.
The well-preserved jewelry and artifacts demonstrate the craftsmanship of that era and provide insight into how the influence of the Middle Kingdom spread to later dynasties. The team aims to continue exploring this site, providing valuable information for the study of ancient Egyptian art and burial practices.
We also reported on an unexpected archaeological discovery in Malta, where researchers unearthed an entire complex of ancient tombs.