Egypt: Egypt continues to unveil secrets buried deep beneath its sands, with recent groundbreaking discoveries shedding new light on the ancient civilization.
In one of the most significant archaeological revelations this year, a team of Egyptian archaeologists has unearthed three tombs dating back over 3,000 years at the Dra Abu el-Naga site on the West Bank of Luxor.
The announcement, made by Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, marks a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to decode Egypt’s rich and complex history.
Ancient Tombs from the New Kingdom Era
The three tombs, remarkably well-preserved for their age, date back to the New Kingdom period (1550–1070 BC).
Dra Abu el-Naga, the site of the discovery, is located near the famous Valley of the Kings and was historically used as a necropolis for high-ranking officials, scribes, and workers closely tied to the temples, rather than royalty.
The first tomb is believed to belong to a man named Amum-em-Ipet, who lived during the Ramesside period (19th–20th dynasties). Archaeological evidence suggests he was likely employed at the temple or estate dedicated to Amun, the ancient Egyptian god of air and fertility.
The Egyptian archaeological mission working in Draa Abul Naga, Luxor, has discovered three tombs dating back to the New Kingdom. The find is an addition to Egypt’s archaeological record, made entirely by Egyptian hands. pic.twitter.com/4gAaI8ppIL
— Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (@TourismandAntiq) May 26, 2025
Although partially destroyed, the tomb features a small courtyard, a square hall, and an entrance, indicating his prominent social status.
The second tomb belongs to Baki, identified through inscriptions as a supervisor of a grain silo. This tomb, dating to the 18th Dynasty, includes a courtyard and an extended entrance, pointing to his importance in the kingdom’s agricultural economy.
The third tomb, whose occupant is named S, reveals a multi-faceted individual who held several high-ranking roles. Experts describe him as a supervisor at the Temple of Amun, a writer, and the mayor of the northern oases, making him a key administrative figure during his time.
“The completion of excavation and cleaning works will help us understand the lives and social stature of the tombs’ owners more deeply,” the Ministry said in a statement.
Underground City Discovered
While Luxor was making headlines, another remarkable discovery occurred under the iconic Giza pyramid complex. Two researchers from Italy and Scotland have revealed the presence of hidden structures beneath the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure.
Using advanced ground-penetrating technology, the researchers detected a vast subterranean city more than 6,500 feet in span, ten times larger than the pyramids themselves.
Among the enigmatic features found were eight vertical cylindrical structures that stretch over 2,100 feet beneath the surface, along with several unexplored formations believed to be 4,000 feet deeper. .
Discovery of Thutmose II’s Tomb
Adding to Egypt’s monumental year of discoveries, archaeologists recently located the long-lost tomb of King Thutmose II, a pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty who ruled Egypt around 3,500 years ago.
The discovery resolves one of the long-standing mysteries of ancient Egyptian history and is expected to yield further insights into the life and reign of the young king. Together, these extraordinary finds underscore Egypt’s ongoing significance as a treasure trove of ancient knowledge.
