Luxor, Egypt’s ancient city of wonders, has once again delivered a remarkable revelation. Three tombs, believed to be more than 3,000 years old, have been unearthed in the Dra’ Abu el-Naga necropolis, an important burial site for non-royal elites. The find, announced by Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, adds yet another chapter to the country’s extraordinary archaeological narrative and highlights Luxor’s continued significance as a hub of ancient heritage.
Discovered in the heart of the New Kingdom era (circa 1539–1077 BCE), the tombs belonged to senior officials who once served the pharaonic state. The site of the excavation, Dra’ Abu el-Naga, sits on the west bank of the Nile in Luxor, not far from the celebrated Valley of the Kings. Unlike the royal necropolises, this site served as a resting place for high-ranking civil servants and priests, offering a unique lens into the lives of Egypt’s powerful administrative class.
According to a statement from the Ministry, the excavation was conducted exclusively by an Egyptian archaeological team. Sherif Fathy, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, took to Instagram to describe the discovery as “significant,” praising the local expertise behind the effort.
Inscriptions found within the tombs have helped identify their owners, thanks to the meticulous work of the excavation team led by Abdel Ghaffar Wagdy, Director-General of Luxor Antiquities. Each tomb not only adds to the country’s cultural wealth but also deepens our understanding of ancient Egypt's social structure and professional hierarchies.
One tomb has been attributed to Amun-em-Ipet, a figure from the Ramesside period, including Egypt’s 19th and 20th dynasties. Amun-em-Ipet is believed to have held a position in the temple or estate of Amun, one of ancient Egypt’s most revered deities, often referred to as the king of the gods. Although much of the tomb’s original decoration has deteriorated, remnants include scenes depicting furniture bearers and a ceremonial banquet.
Another tomb, dating to the 18th dynasty, was the final resting place of a man named Baki, who served as a granary supervisor. This was a crucial role in a civilisation heavily reliant on agricultural storage and resource management. Baki’s tomb includes a series of courtyards and halls, ultimately leading to a chamber housing his burial well, although the chamber itself remains incomplete.
The third tomb, belonging to an individual identified as Es, is equally intriguing. Es held multiple titles, including supervisor of the Temple of Amun, scribe, and mayor of the northern oases, suggesting a career that spanned both religious and civic responsibilities. His tomb features a small courtyard with a well leading through various halls, some of which remain unfinished.
Each tomb’s architectural layout reflects its owner's status and offers valuable insights into burial practices of the time. Amun-em-Ipet’s tomb comprises a small courtyard, a square hall, and a niche, although one of the western walls appears to have been broken over time.
Baki’s tomb begins with a corridor-like courtyard leading to an extended hall and, ultimately a burial chamber. Meanwhile, Es’s tomb shares structural similarities but stands out due to its transverse hall design and use of multiple levels. These tombs not only demonstrate the wealth and importance of their owners but also the intricate planning and craftsmanship that went into their construction.
This latest find follows another high-profile discovery in Luxor earlier this year. In February, a joint Egyptian-British archaeological mission announced the unearthing of the tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II—a find widely hailed as “remarkable” and a rare royal addition to Egypt’s ever-expanding archaeological map.
These ongoing discoveries in and around Luxor further affirm Egypt’s commitment to exploring and preserving its ancient past. With each excavation, the country draws closer to piecing together the full story of one of history’s most fascinating civilisations.
For travellers, Luxor offers more than postcard views of sandstone temples and sweeping desert skies. It is a living museum where every stone has a story, and every tomb is a portal to the past. With the recent tomb discoveries, a visit to this Nile-side city becomes even more compelling. Sites such as the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and the Temple of Hatshepsut are just the beginning; the tombs at Dra’ Abu el-Naga now add a new layer of allure to any Egyptian itinerary.
Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or a cultural explorer, Luxor continues to deliver a spellbinding glimpse into a world both ancient and timeless. With local archaeologists leading the way, Egypt’s treasure trove of wonders remains far from exhausted.