Egyptian archaeologists discover 3 tombs of prominent statesmen in Luxor

Discovery comes in the lead-up to the highly anticipated full opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum

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Hieroglyphs are revealed in the three new graves of senior statesmen found in the Dra’ Abu al-Naga necropolis area in Luxor, Egypt. Photo: Egypt Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities via AP

Published: 4:26am, 27 May 2025Updated: 11:59am, 27 May 2025

Egypt unveiled three new tombs of prominent statesmen in the Dra Abu al-Naga necropolis in Luxor, officials said on Monday.

Egyptian archaeologists have discovered tombs dating back to the New Kingdom period (1550–1070 BC) and identified the names and titles of their owners through inscriptions found within, according to a statement by the tourism and antiquities ministry.

Mohamed Ismail Khaled, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said in the statement that further study of other tombs’ inscriptions is needed to gain a deeper understanding of the tombs’ owners.

The ministry released pictures of items discovered in the tombs, including artefacts and statues. The discovery comes in the lead-up to the highly anticipated full opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which is expected this summer, though a final official date is yet to be confirmed.

Artefacts that were found in the three new graves. Photo: Egypt Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities via AP

The museum will showcase more than 100,000 artefacts from Egypt’s rich ancient heritage.

One of the tombs discovered in Luxor on Monday belonged to Amum-em-Ipet, from the Ramesside period, who worked in the estate of Amun. His tomb was mostly destroyed and what remained were depictions of the funeral furniture carriers and a banquet.