In a new archaeological breakthrough, the Egyptian archaeological mission working at the Bubasteion Necropolis in Saqqara has uncovered three rock-cut tombs dating back to the New Kingdom during scientific excavations on the eastern side of the site’s rocky escarpment.
The discovery revealed important hieroglyphic inscriptions and archaeological features that shed new light on the history of the ancient Memphis necropolis while enriching historical knowledge about senior state officials and members of society during the New Kingdom.
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy said the discovery demonstrates that Saqqara continues to conceal remarkable archaeological treasures that have yet to be uncovered. He noted that the succession of discoveries at the site highlights the exceptional cultural and historical value of Saqqara, one of the world’s most significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Fathy praised the efforts of both Egyptian and foreign archaeological missions in continuing their scientific excavation work, stressing that every new archaeological discovery contributes significantly to a deeper understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization and helps complete the historical narrative of one of humanity’s greatest civilizations.
For his part, Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the significance of the discovery extends beyond the identification of new tombs. It also revives the stories of their owners and restores chapters of their lives that remained buried beneath the sands for thousands of years, giving each discovery exceptional historical and human value while enriching research on Egyptian society during the New Kingdom.
Mohamed Abdel Badie, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained that the discovery comes within the framework of the archaeological study project at the Bubasteion Necropolis. He added that it opens the door for further discoveries during future excavation seasons, particularly as work continues inside burial shafts and unexplored areas that are expected to yield additional archaeological and historical information.
He noted that these future discoveries will contribute to completing the historical picture of the tomb owners and add new chapters to the history of the Bubasteion Necropolis, one of Saqqara’s most important cemeteries and among its richest archaeological sites documenting various aspects of ancient Egyptian civilization.
Dr. Amr El-Tayeb, Director General of the Saqqara Antiquities Area, said the first tomb belongs to an individual named Mentuhotep. The tomb’s northern wall is decorated with finely executed scenes depicting offering bearers and hunting scenes, in addition to a large representation of the tomb owner seated beside his mother, Eahhotep, reflecting the family’s distinguished social status.
The walls also preserve a series of prestigious titles held by Mentuhotep, including Hereditary Prince, Mayor, Royal Confidant, He Who Pleases the Heart of the Ruler, Director, Overseer of Foreign Lands, and Overseer of the Army of the City of Khebeshit. These titles indicate that he was among the leading administrative and military officials during the early New Kingdom.
The tomb also contains a burial shaft whose excavation has not yet been completed. Archaeological work inside the shaft is scheduled to resume during the next excavation season and may reveal additional information about the identity of Mentuhotep’s mother, the history of the family, and its role within ancient Egypt’s administrative system.
El-Tayeb added that the second tomb belongs to Paremwia, also known as Samut, who held the title Great Merchant in the Temple of Ptah.
The tomb serves as a remarkably complete family record, preserving the names of his wife Tuy, who bore the title Lady of the House, his mother Atbiyu, who held the title Singer of the God Amun, as well as the names of his four sons. Together, these inscriptions provide a rare glimpse into the family and social life of one of the prominent figures of the New Kingdom.
The third tomb belongs to an individual named Nehesy. Although the tomb is in a poor state of preservation, its surviving inscriptions retain considerable historical significance. Archaeologists identified the tomb owner’s name and his title, Overseer of the House, in addition to the name of his wife, Neferuptah, who held the title Lady of the House.
Among the most significant discoveries within the tomb is part of a column bearing a hieroglyphic inscription referring to the return of a military commander from the land of Naharin, located in northern Syria.
This inscription is of particular historical importance because it not only helps date the tomb to the New Kingdom but also provides fresh evidence of Egypt’s relations with the regions of the ancient Near East during that period, offering valuable insight into the political and military connections between ancient Egypt and neighboring territories.
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