The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced on Sunday the discovery of a number of important archaeological finds in Luxor Governorate, shedding light on both the industrial activities and burial practices of ancient Egypt. Several of the unearthed items are believed to date back to the 21st Dynasty, which ruled from 1076 BC to 944 BC.
The discoveries were made by an Egyptian excavation team working in the Naga Abu Asba area within the Karnak temple complex. Among the most significant findings is a large mud-brick wall constructed during the reign of King Menkheperre, one of the monarchs of the 21st Dynasty. The wall is notable for its size and for bearing inscriptions of both the king’s and his wife’s names. A sandstone gate was also uncovered as part of the structure, providing further insight into the architectural practices of the time.
Abdel-Ghaffar Wagdy, Director General of Luxor Antiquities, emphasized the importance of this wall, stating that its construction and the stamped inscriptions suggest it served a purpose beyond simple fortification. He added that the presence of the king and queen’s names indicates the site may have held significant royal or administrative value.
Further excavations in the area revealed a series of ancient workshops and kilns, believed to have been used in the crafting of bronze statues. Within these industrial zones, archaeologists found several bronze statues depicting the deity Osiris, ranging in size and detail. In addition to the statues, the team unearthed coins and amulets, offering clues about the economic and spiritual life of the community that once occupied the site.
Wagdy explained that these findings support the theory that this section of Karnak functioned as an industrial center during various periods of ancient Egyptian history. The combination of production facilities and religious artifacts points to a complex, multi-use site where craftsmanship and worship may have intersected.
Meanwhile, in a separate excavation in the al-Asasif area of Qurna, archaeologists discovered a group of small wooden coffins thought to have been used for child burials. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, announced that these coffins are being studied to determine their exact age and origin. He noted that the team will soon be joined by a specialist in human osteology and wooden artifacts to analyze the skeletal remains and coffin materials. The expert will assess the age, gender, and possible causes of death of the individuals buried there.
According to Khaled, the upcoming analysis is expected to provide valuable information about burial customs, childhood mortality, and social structures during the period in question. The integration of this data with findings from the Karnak industrial area may also help scholars understand the broader urban and ritual landscape of ancient Luxor.
These discoveries mark another step forward in Egypt’s ongoing efforts to uncover and preserve its rich archaeological heritage.