Recent discoveries in Luxor have shed light on Egypt’s illustrious past, unearthing significant finds from the reign of Queen Hatshepsut and her predecessors. The revelations offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient Egypt’s cultural and architectural achievements.
Rediscovery of Queen Hatshepsut’s Valley Temple
Archaeologists led by renowned Egyptologist Zahi Hawass have discovered intact sections of the foundation wall of Queen Hatshepsut’s valley temple in Deir al-Bahari, Luxor. The temple, dating back to the 18th Dynasty (1539–1292 BC), served as a gateway to Hatshepsut’s funerary complex.
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More than 1,500 decorated stone blocks were unearthed, many vividly preserved with intricate carvings depicting sacred rituals. Among them are scenes of Queen Hatshepsut and her successor, Thutmose III, performing religious ceremonies. “This is the most beautiful scene I have ever seen in my life,” Hawass remarked.
One of the limestone tablets bore the name of Senmut, the queen’s chief architect who designed her mortuary temple. These discoveries provide the first comprehensive insight into the decoration programme of an 18th Dynasty temple.
Intentional Destruction and Historical Significance
Hatshepsut’s temple, a symbol of her powerful reign, was deliberately demolished centuries later during the Ramesside Period (1292–1077 BC). These findings not only affirm the queen’s architectural legacy but also reveal the cultural tensions surrounding female pharaohs in ancient Egypt.
Tomb of Queen Tetisheri
Near Hatshepsut’s valley temple, archaeologists uncovered the tomb of Queen Tetisheri, the grandmother of Ahmose I, who liberated Egypt from the Hyksos invaders. Tetisheri’s tomb, dating to the 17th Dynasty (1630–1540 BC), was modest yet significant, featuring red-painted wall art on white mortar and a mudbrick chapel.
Tetisheri played a pivotal role in laying the foundations of Egypt’s golden New Kingdom era. Her tomb’s discovery sheds light on burial practices and the influence of royal women in the early dynasties.
Additional Discoveries at Luxor’s Necropolis
Excavations in the nearby Thebes necropolis revealed numerous artefacts spanning the 15th to 18th Dynasties. These included burial shafts, rock-cut tombs, and a necropolis containing remains of high-ranking officials and their families.
Artefacts such as bronze coins from the Ptolemaic Period and ceremonial tools inscribed with Hatshepsut’s name highlight the enduring significance of the area across dynasties. Intricate artwork and bas-reliefs with remarkably preserved colours were also found, capturing scenes of daily life and religious ceremonies.
Insights into Middle Kingdom Burials
In addition to these finds, excavations at Assasif cemetery uncovered 11 Middle Kingdom-era graves dating from 2055–1650 BC. These graves, containing skeletal remains of men, women, and children, are believed to represent a multigenerational family burial site. The findings provide valuable insights into burial practices and social structures during the 12th and 13th dynasties.
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Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has expressed optimism about the discoveries’ potential to draw more visitors to Luxor. Abdel-Ghaffar Wagdy, Director General of Luxor Antiquities, emphasized that these revelations “undoubtedly help attract more tourists.”