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Al-Ahram Weekly
06-07-2025
- Science
- Al-Ahram Weekly
The legacy of Tutankhamun — III - Heritage - Al-Ahram Weekly
In the third in his special series of articles exploring the enduring legacy of Tutankhamun, Zahi Hawass searches for the boy king's relatives among mummies thought to belong to the royal family In recent decades, the field of Egyptology has undergone a quiet revolution fuelled by cutting-edge technology. A major turning point came with the donation to Egypt of a state-of-the-art CT scanner by the National Geographic Society and Siemens AG, along with financial support from the Discovery Channel to build genetic testing facilities. These contributions led to the establishment of two advanced laboratories in Egypt, one in the basement of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo's Tahrir Square and the other at the Faculty of Medicine at Cairo University. For the first time, Egyptologists could conduct sophisticated, non-invasive scientific examinations on ancient remains without needing to send them abroad. In 2005, this technology was put to historic use when the mummy of Tutankhamun became the first to be examined using a CT scanner. What began as an effort to understand the young king's health and cause of death soon evolved into a broader investigation combining CT imaging with DNA analysis to identify his family members among a group of royal mummies from the late 18th Dynasty. This fusion of modern science and ancient history has opened a new chapter in our understanding of Egypt's most enigmatic Pharaohs. Many questions surround the family of Tutankhamun. His parentage has always been unknown, and the archaeological record leaves uncertain other familial relationship between individuals who are presumably closely related to him. However, a number of mummies, some securely identified and others not, hold the potential for more or less definitive answers. A combination of Egyptological investigation and forensic science has shed light on the identities of previously nameless royal remains and drawn unexpected connections among the historical players of the Amarna Period and its aftermath. Several candidates have been proposed for Tutankhamun's father. Additions that Tutankhamun made to the temples of Amenhotep III at Luxor and Soleb saw Tutankhamun identified as 'king's son of his body, whom he loves, Tutankhamun.' Suggestions of Smenkhkare as Tutankhamun's father have been based on the identification of the KV55 tomb mummy as belonging to that king. There are likewise many candidates put forward as Tutankhamun's mother. Tiye, Great Royal Wife of Amenhotep III, was the first to be proposed. The mummy known as the Elder Lady found in KV35 (KV35EL) has long been suspected of belonging to her, although this remained to be proven. A lock of hair found in Tutankhamun's tomb and labelled as Tiye's was matched to the hair of KV35EL. This would seem to indicate some kind of close kinship, but not necessarily that she was Tutankhamun's mother. Tiya, a secondary but prominent wife of Akhenaten, has also been suggested, her subsequent disappearance from the historical record being explained as the result of her death during his birth. Nefertiti has also been proposed as his mother, as have Mitannian princesses, perhaps Tadukhipa, who was the wife of both Amenhotep III and Akhenaten. Other candidates have included the daughters of both kings: Akhenaten's older daughters Meritaten and Meketaten have been suggested, as has the youngest daughter of Amenhotep III and Tiye, Baketaten. Sitamun, another of Akhenaten's sisters, is yet one more candidate, with Amenhotep III hypothesised as the father. THE EGYPTIAN MUMMY PROJECT Two mummified foetuses (Carter 317A and 317B) were found in the tomb of Tutankhamun. Believed to be the stillborn daughters of Tutankhamun and his wife Ankhesenamun, they were hoped to be viable sources of DNA that would permit the identification of the mummies of the queen and her mother, Nefertiti. Three other mummies were known to belong to Tutankhamun's family even before testing began: Yuya, Thuya and Amenhotep III. The study included other remains suspected of being members, such as those from the tomb KV55. The identity of the KV55 mummy has been one of Egyptology's most enduring enigmas. A recent study of the coffin found in the tomb suggests that it belonged to Akhenaten, whose name was found on it. Thus, it would seem that the burial of Akhenaten, including at least some of its artefacts, was brought from Amarna to Thebes, possibly by Tutankhamun. The skeletal state of the KV55 mummy posed a considerable challenge for analysis. Nonetheless, research had previously concluded that Tutankhamun and the KV55 skeleton shared the same blood type; this, with the inscription of Akhenaten's name on the coffin, prompted a number of scholars to identify the KV55 body as that of Akhenaten. But the age of the skeleton presented a problem for this identification: although one study had put the age at 25, most previous forensic studies had concluded that the skeleton was that of a male who died at the age of 25 or 26, plus or minus several years. In 2000, an examination by archaeologist Joyse Filer of the bones prompted her to put the age at death as the early 20s. Historical evidence indicates that Akhenaten must have been well over 30 when he died. This led many Egyptologists to identify the KV55 body as that of Smenkhkare instead, an enigmatic and ephemeral monarch, possibly Tutankhamun's older brother, who may have shared the throne with Akhenaten for a couple of years before succeeding him. None of these investigations were able to conclusively identify the KV55 skeleton. The KV35EL and KV35YL mummies were included in the project. KV35EL had been tentatively identified as Queen Tiye, and we included this mummy, and KV35YL, in our study in the hopes of confirming their identities. The style of their mummification and lack of bandages and coffins seemed to indicate that they ought to be associated with one another. We also added the two unidentified female mummies found in KV21, KV21A and KV21B. The Egyptian Mummy Project has provided answers to many questions that have been the subject of debate within the Egyptological community, including the identities of Tutankhamun's parents and of the Elder Lady and Younger Lady in the tomb KV35, as will be explained below. This success was achieved by installing the two DNA laboratories, one in the basement of the Egyptian Museum and the other at the Faculty of Medicine at Cairo University. Each lab was staffed by its own scholars and technicians; the two teams had no contact with each other. There was also close cooperation between the Egyptian teams and two German scholars. The resulting CT images were studied separately by Ashraf Selim and Sahar Saleem, both professors of radiology at Cairo University, and by Paul Gostner, head of radiology at the Bolzano General Hospital in Italy. Great care had to be taken to isolate the DNA of each mummy under examination in order to minimise the risk of contamination by current team members, past researchers who had handled the remains, and even the ancient embalmers. To achieve this, in each case biopsy needles drew several samples from the interior of the bone, away from the potentially contaminated surface of the mummy, in the hopes that at least one would prove viable. Samples thus extracted required purification in order to isolate the genetic material from embalming materials and other contaminates. Yehia Gad, Somia Ismail, and German experts Garsten Pusch and Albert Zink undertook this process. The means by which this was achieved was particular to each sample, but in all cases any single misstep could imperil the DNA. Successful isolation would result in clear liquid, but the first attempts with Tutankhamun's genetic material produced a solution that remained clouded by some unknown contaminant from the mummification process. This concerned us because Tutankhamun was the lynchpin of the study. Two months of additional work resolved the issue, delivering DNA ready for the next steps in the process: amplification and sequencing. RESULTS With the isolation and amplification of the ancient DNA achieved, comparing the Y chromosomes, the chromosome passed from father to son of the male mummies (Tutankhamun, Amenhotep III, KV55), was a straightforward process. The results demonstrated that these three were indeed related, but to pinpoint the relationship among them it was necessary to profile (or 'fingerprint') the DNA of each, an additional process that involves close examination of the approximately one per cent of DNA that differs among individuals. Such analysis focuses on the base pairs (made of adenine, cytosine, guanine, or thymine) that hold together the two halves of the DNA double helix. In certain areas of the DNA, the pattern of repetition of these base pairs sufficiently varies from individual to individual. For example, the forensic investigation of trace DNA left behind at a crime scene can identify one particular person. Comparisons of the DNA of different individuals can reveal the 'blood relationship,' if any, between them, as is routinely done for paternity testing. Our analysis of the ancient DNA indicated a probability in excess of 99.99 per cent that Amenhotep III was the father of the man interred in KV55. The probability that the man interred in KV55 was the father of Tutankhamun was equally great. However, while DNA testing could prove that the KV55 mummy was a son of Amenhotep III, it could not provide a specific historical identification. After Tutankhamun, perhaps the most important mummy in the study was the skeleton from KV55. If our radiological examination authenticated the majority of studies that pinned this individual's death as happening in his 20s, it would preclude these remains from being those of Akhenaten. Such a finding would support, though not prove, the usual hypothesis that this was the body of Smenkhkare. However, in fact analysis of the CT scan indicated that the individual from KV55 might have been as old as 40 at the time of his death. This certainly allows for the possibility that the skeleton is that of Akhenaten, who reigned for 17 years. Feeling that this identification is indeed most likely, we labelled the body in this way at the Egyptian Museum. However, we must also admit that so little is known about Smenkhkare that the possibility that the body is his cannot be entirely ruled out. The two anonymous mummies from KV35 provided candidates for female relatives of Tutankhamun, particularly as the lock of hair found in Tutankhamun's tomb seemed to link him in some intimate way to KV35EL. Fortunately, the mummies of Tiye's parents, Yuya and Thuya, had been found in situ in their tomb (KV46) and thus were known with certainty. Indeed, the genetic analysis confirmed KV35EL as their daughter. Furthermore, and as anticipated, the KV55 mummy genetically matched as the offspring of KV35EL. Perhaps the most curious results of the genetic fingerprinting came from KV35YL. She proved to be not only a daughter of Amenhotep III and Tiye but also the mother of Tutankhamun. Thus, it seems probable that Akhenaten married one of his own full sisters. No evidence indicates that either Nefertiti or Tiya was Akhenaten's sister, which rules out the identification of either of these royal wives as Tutankhamun's mother. Besides Sitamun and Baketaten, mentioned previously, other daughters of Amenhotep III and Tiye include Iset, Hennuttaneb, and Nebetiah. The tomb of Kheruef shows Amenhotep with eight unnamed daughters, some of whom may be identical to those just named. Which of these women gave birth to the future boy king will most likely never be determined. Nonetheless, the effects of this full-sibling parentage clearly had an impact on the royal offspring, as the examination of Tutankhamun himself amply demonstrated. These results of the Egyptian Mummy Project were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association after undergoing its rigorous peer-review process. Besides shedding light on the particulars of the royal family of the late 18th Dynasty, our study demonstrates that the techniques of genetic analysis and radiological study hold great promise for resolving other mysteries presented by the historical record and providing new and unexpected insights into pharaonic Egypt. FOETUSES FROM KV62 In the so-called treasury of Tutankhamun's tomb, the discoverer of the tomb, Howard Carter, found a box, designated No 317, in which two miniature anthropoid coffins had been placed. Each of these tiny coffins contained a mummified foetus, 317a and 317b, which Carter removed in 1925. The latter was in a particularly good condition. Douglas Derry, the anthropologist who first studied the human remains from the tomb, described 317a and 317b as female and five months and seven months of age, respectively. Mummy 317b underwent an examination conducted by R. G. Harrison in 1978. He estimated its age to be as young as 35 weeks of gestation or as late as full term and identified congenital abnormalities of the shoulder (Sprengle's deformity) and spine (spinal dysraphism and scoliosis). A more recent study of the other mummy, 317a, undertaken by Catherine Hellier and Robert Connolly in 1978, concluded that it had achieved a gestation of 30 weeks. The Egyptian Mummy Project performed CT scans of both foetuses at the Faculty of Medicine because they were too fragile to transport to the Egyptian Museum. Confirmation of Derry's conclusion that 317a was female proved to be impossible because the remains had deteriorated to so great an extent, but analysis of the scan was able to determine that this foetus had died at 24.6 weeks gestational age. No skeletal deformities were detected. The scans revealed material of both high and low CT densities within the skull, probably the remains of brain tissue and possibly embalming material. The body cavity likewise showed evidence of embalming in the form of structures that appeared to be visceral packs. Once again, however, the poor condition of the mummy prevented the discovery of more definitive evidence of artificial mummification, such as embalming slits. The cause of death could not be determined. The results from 317b were considerably better, to the extent that it was possible to create two-and three-dimensional digital images of the body. This was definitively identifiable as female. The age of 36.78 weeks (nine months) of gestation at death was determined in part by examination (by CT scan) of the extent of mineralisation of the teeth and the presence of multiple ossification centres of the cartilage, confirming the conclusion by Harrison in 1986, which had been revised down to 30 weeks of gestation by Hellier and Connolly in 2008. It seems very likely that 317b had been artificially mummified; an incision, 18 mm long, was found on the left groin. The CT scans permitted a reinterpretation of anomalies associated with Sprengel's deformity detected by previous X-rays. The raised left scapula, long left clavicle, and open veritable laminae were shown to have been the result of trauma delivered postmortem. A DNA study to compare 317b with mummy KV21A was undertaken but not fully accomplished. Preliminary results suggest a primary relationship between these two mummies, suggesting that the unidentified KV21A could in fact be Ankhesenamun. Unfortunately, the study remains incomplete due to the 25 January Revolution in 2011. We hope to continue our research in the future. MARFAN SYNDROME The art of the Amarna Period portrayed Akhenaten with long limbs, a narrow face, an elongated head, and androgynous features. These first three of these have led to the suggestion that the family of Akhenaten, including Tutankhamun, had Marfan Syndrome. Marfan Syndrome is the result of any of a large number of mutations to a specific gene (FBNI, on chromosome 15) responsible for the production of fibrillin, a component of the body's connective tissue. The effects of Marfan Syndrome are a weakening of this tissue, which supports, strengthens, and gives elasticity to joints and organs. Marfan Syndrome can adversely affect the cardiovascular and skeletal systems, as well as the eyes, skin, and lungs. Visible physical traits related to it include tall stature and lean build with disproportionately long limbs and digits. As most cases of Marfan Syndrome are inherited, CT scans of not only the KV55 mummy but also those of other family members were examined for these traits. Included in the examination were the following mummies: Tutankhamun, 317a, 317b, Amenhotep II, KV35EL, and KV35YL, as well as the purported mummies of Thutmose I and Thutmose II. Clinical diagnosis of the Syndrome requires the examination of soft tissues (eg, the aorta and the lens of the eye) unavailable in mummies, which instead must be examined for skeletal abnormalities. The state of preservation of some of the remains, notably the mummy from KV55 and that of Amenhotep III, posed difficulties for obtaining the required metrics. Nonetheless, possible measurements of the shape of the skull were obtained and analysed digitally to determine the skull index (ie, the ration of breadth and length), with skulls being classified as mesocephalic (normal) or dolichocephalic (elongated). Examination of the CT scans did reveal some traits that could be considered associated with Marfan Syndrome, but these are not in and of themselves diagnostic of the condition, which must be proven by genetic evaluation. Mild doliocephaly was present (Tutankhamun, Yuya, Thutmose II, and Thutmose I) but only to a degree that seems to be a family trait rather that congenital abnormality. There was kyphosocoliosis (abnormal curvature of the spine) displayed by Tutankhamun, the KV55 mummy, Yuya, Thutmose II, and Thutmose I. The KV55 mummy presented a cranio-facial measurement indicating a slightly elongated-to-normal skull and a narrow face. There were no traces of Marfan Syndrome in Amenhotep III, Tiye, or KV35YL. (The condition of the two foetuses from Tutankhamun's tomb precluded proper examination for the condition.) In sum, the CT examinations detected none of the diagnostic criteria for Marfan Syndrome among the mummies of the 18th-Dynasty royal family. Furthermore, the examinations led us to the conclusion that the unusual aspects of Akhenaten's androgynous appearance were entirely an artistic convention, driven by the king's self-identification with the solar disk that, as the universal creator and source of all life, necessarily embodied both male and female principles. * A version of this article appears in print in the 3 July, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Egypt Independent
09-06-2025
- General
- Egypt Independent
Integrated ancient city uncovered in Karnak, dating back to 2000 BC
A joint Egyptian-French mission has uncovered the oldest city and settlement dating back to the Middle Kingdom in the archaeological area of the Karnak Temple. This discovery was made during excavation work in the temple area. The excavations revealed a complete city in the far southeastern corner of the temple, dating back to the period 2050-1710 BC. This is the second discovery this year in the same area. Archaeological sources at the Karnak Temple confirmed that the discovered city lies between the ancient mud-brick wall built by King Thutmose III of the 18th Dynasty (New Kingdom), and the massive wall surrounding the Karnak temple complex, which dates back to the reign of King Nectanebo I of the 30th Dynasty. Restoration work On the sidelines of his visit to Luxor, the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Mohamed Ismail Khaled inspected the restoration and rehabilitation project of the 'southern chapels' of the Temple of Akhmenu in the Karnak Temple complex. Khaled said that the restoration work on the Akhmenu complex included cleaning, structural and meticulous restoration, as well as complete documentation of the inscriptions and religious scenes. During his stay in Luxor Governorate, the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities also inspected the work being carried out by several Egyptian missions affiliated with the Supreme Council of Antiquities at several archaeological sites. These included the Egyptian mission's excavation site in al-Asasif area in Qurna, and the excavation site of the Egyptian archaeological mission in Nagaa Abu-Asaba area in Karnak. He explained that the mission was able to uncover a group of small wooden children's coffins in the al-Asasif area, most of which were in a very poor state of preservation. All coffins were devoid of inscriptions or writing.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Archaeologists Found 3 Tombs That Were Hidden Beneath the Sand for 3,500 Years
Here's what you'll learn when you read this story: Egyptian archaeologists discovered three tombs in Luxor from Egypt's New Kingdom. Each tomb came with an inscription to give clues as to the name and position of its inhabitant. Some of the tomb architecture was impressively expansive. Three New Kingdom tombs were recently discovered in Luxor. While that's worth celebrating on its own, it gets even better—researchers found inscriptions in the tombs that help tell the stories of the high-ranking officials that were once buried there. According to a translated statement from Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the three tombs—discovered in the necropolis of Draa Abu El-Naga on the west bank of Luxor—all come from the New Kingdom (1539 to 1077 B.C.). One is from the 19th Dynasty, led by the Ramesside family, and the other two are from the 18th Dynasty. The 19th Dynasty tomb belonged to Amun-em-Ipet—an official who likely worked in the temple or the estate of Amun. While much of the funerary furniture and decorations had faded or been destroyed over time, artistry that was still visible depicted scenes of offering, funerary furniture carriers, and banqueting. The tomb itself was highlighted by a small courtyard that led into the square chamber. The west wall once featured a spot to hold funerary goods, but it was destroyed during later reuse. The two 18th Dynasty tombs were similar in design. One belonged to a person named Baki, who was likely a granary silo supervisor. Baki's tomb is more complex than the one from the 19th Dynasty, with a long hallway-styled courtyard leading to a second courtyard ahead of the main entrance. The tomb then turns and opens into a long chamber with a funerary room. The third tomb belonged to a person called Es, who had a longer list of responsibilities and was known to be a key official in the Temple of Amun in the oasis, the governor of the northern oasis, and a scribe. The tomb closely mirrors that of Baki, and features a small courtyard containing a well, followed by the tomb's main entrance, and then a transverse hall leading to another (incomplete) longitudinal hall. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, the Secretary General of Egypt's Supreme Council for Antiquities, said that experts will continue to study the carvings and hope to gain more information about the tomb's owners. Sherif Fathy, Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Archaeology, called the find by a scientific and archaeological achievement that will greatly contribute to attracting more visitors to the region. You Might Also Like The Do's and Don'ts of Using Painter's Tape The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?
Egypt Today
28-05-2025
- Egypt Today
Three New Tombs Discovered in Luxor: A Major Breakthrough in Egypt's New Kingdom Heritage
A major archaeological discovery has just been made in Luxor's Dra Abu el-Naga: three newly uncovered tombs belonging to high-ranking officials from the New Kingdom era. Excavation and cleaning efforts are ongoing to reveal more about the tombs' owners, with plans to study and publish the findings in academic detail. The secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities personally visited the site and stressed the importance of scientific documentation and publication. An Egyptian archaeological mission in the Dra Abu el-Naga area on Luxor's West Bank has unearthed three New Kingdom tombs during the current excavation season. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy hailed the discovery as a major scientific and archaeological achievement, bolstering Egypt's standing on the global cultural tourism map. He noted that these tombs are expected to become a key attraction for lovers of heritage and history due to their rich cultural and human significance. The Minister emphasized that this discovery—carried out entirely by Egyptian hands—demonstrates the remarkable capabilities of local archaeologists in making world-class discoveries. Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, inspected the site and confirmed that all three tombs date back to the New Kingdom. The names and titles of their owners were identified through inscriptions found within the tombs. He noted that further cleaning and analysis will be conducted to better understand the tombs' significance, with a commitment to scientific study and publication. Mohamed Abdel-Badei, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, revealed that one of the tombs belongs to 'Amun-em-Opet,' a Ramesside-era official who served at a temple or estate of Amun. While much of the artwork was destroyed, surviving scenes depict offerings, funerary furniture, and banquet rituals. The second and third tombs date back to the 18th Dynasty. One belonged to 'Baki,' a granary overseer, while the other belonged to 'S,' who held multiple titles: overseer of Amun's temple in the oases, mayor of the northern oases, and scribe. As for their layout: • Amun-em-Opet's tomb features a small courtyard, an entrance leading to a square hall, and a niche—later altered in reuse. • Baki's tomb includes a long corridor-like courtyard, followed by another yard leading to a transverse hall and then a longitudinal chamber ending in an unfinished shrine with a burial shaft. • The tomb of 'S' starts with a small courtyard and burial shaft, leading to the main entrance and a transverse hall that connects to an unfinished longitudinal room. This discovery adds a fascinating new chapter to Egypt's ever-unfolding archaeological story. Three New Tombs Discovered in Luxor: A Major Breakthrough in Egypt's New Kingdom Heritage A major archaeological discovery has just been made in Luxor's Dra Abu el-Naga: three newly uncovered tombs belonging to high-ranking officials from the New Kingdom era. Excavation and cleaning efforts are ongoing to reveal more about the tombs' owners, with plans to study and publish the findings in academic detail. The secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities personally visited the site and stressed the importance of scientific documentation and publication. An Egyptian archaeological mission in the Dra Abu el-Naga area on Luxor's West Bank has unearthed three New Kingdom tombs during the current excavation season. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy hailed the discovery as a major scientific and archaeological achievement, bolstering Egypt's standing on the global cultural tourism map. He noted that these tombs are expected to become a key attraction for lovers of heritage and history due to their rich cultural and human significance. The Minister emphasized that this discovery—carried out entirely by Egyptian hands—demonstrates the remarkable capabilities of local archaeologists in making world-class discoveries. Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, inspected the site and confirmed that all three tombs date back to the New Kingdom. The names and titles of their owners were identified through inscriptions found within the tombs. He noted that further cleaning and analysis will be conducted to better understand the tombs' significance, with a commitment to scientific study and publication. Mohamed Abdel-Badei, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, revealed that one of the tombs belongs to 'Amun-em-Opet,' a Ramesside-era official who served at a temple or estate of Amun. While much of the artwork was destroyed, surviving scenes depict offerings, funerary furniture, and banquet rituals. The second and third tombs date back to the 18th Dynasty. One belonged to 'Baki,' a granary overseer, while the other belonged to 'S,' who held multiple titles: overseer of Amun's temple in the oases, mayor of the northern oases, and scribe. As for their layout: • Amun-em-Opet's tomb features a small courtyard, an entrance leading to a square hall, and a niche—later altered in reuse. • Baki's tomb includes a long corridor-like courtyard, followed by another yard leading to a transverse hall and then a longitudinal chamber ending in an unfinished shrine with a burial shaft. • The tomb of 'S' starts with a small courtyard and burial shaft, leading to the main entrance and a transverse hall that connects to an unfinished longitudinal room. This discovery adds a fascinating new chapter to Egypt's ever-unfolding archaeological story.
Gulf Insider
28-05-2025
- Gulf Insider
Three Ancient Egyptian Tombs Dating Back More Than 3,500 Years Discovered Near Valley Of The Kings
Archaeologists in Egypt have made a remarkable discovery of a trio of ancient tombs dating back more than 3,500 years. The burial sites, unearthed in the Dra Abu el-Naga necropolis in the southern Egyptian city of Luxor, belonged to prominent statesmen from the New Kingdom period which began around 1550 BC. One of the tombs, which was found to be mostly destroyed, belonged to Amum-em-Ipet from the Ramesside period, while the other two date back to the 18th Dynasty. The 18th Dynasty tombs belonged to a man called Baki, who worked as a supervisor of a grain silo, and another individual identified only as S – who served as a supervisor at the Temple of Amun, a writer and the mayor of the northern oases. The names and titles of the tombs' owners were identified through inscriptions found within the burial chambers, according to Mohamed Ismail Khaled, the secretary-general of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities. But Khaled counselled that further study of additional inscriptions would be needed to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the tombs' owners. The discovery represents a significant addition to Egypt's rich archaeological record, and has shed light on the lives of officials who served during the New Kingdom period. Sherif Fathir, Egypt's tourism and antiquities minister, described the find as 'a significant scientific and archaeological achievement.' The ministry views archaeology as a key sector which can substantially boost cultural tourism in Egypt, Fathir said. And the tombs' discovery comes after a recent string of important archaeological finds in the north African nation. Earlier this year, archaeologists announced the discovery of Egypt's first royal tomb since King Tutankhamun's burial chamber was unearthed more than a century ago. The ancient resting place of King Thutmose II, who ruled around 3,500 years ago, was found in west Luxor's Valley of the Kings. Elswhere, researchers found ancient rock-cut tombs and 3,600-year-old burial shafts at the causeway of Queen Hatshepsut's funerary temple at Deir al-Bahri on the Nile's West Bank. While late last year, a US-Egyptian team excavated a tomb with 11 sealed burials in the South Asasif necropolis, next to the Temple of Hatshepsut. All of the discoveries have come ahead of the much-anticipated full opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum this summer. Though a final official date is still yet to be confirmed, the museum is set showcase more than 100,000 artefacts recovered from beneath the Egyptian sand.
