Archaeologists discover three old tombs at Qubbet El-Hawa in Aswan

Archaeologists working at the Qubbet El-Hawa necropolis in Aswan have uncovered three previously unknown rock-cut tombs dating back to Egypt’s Old Kingdom period. This is reported by Sada El-Balad, a partner of TV BRICS.

The discovery provides fresh insights into burial customs during a key transitional era in ancient Egyptian history. Early research suggests some of the tombs were later reused during the Middle Kingdom.

“This is a significant scientific discovery that not only expands our understanding of the architectural and funerary traditions of the Old Kingdom but also highlights the cultural and economic shifts that occurred at the end of that era,” Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities stated.

Mohamed Abdel-Badie, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, states that the first tomb includes an open courtyard with two false doors, offering tables, pottery vessels, and remains of wooden coffins containing skeletal remains. A burial shaft revealed more fragmented coffins and pottery inscribed with hieratic script from the Old Kingdom.

The second tomb, situated west of the first, contained Middle Kingdom pottery and offering tables. Its architectural style suggests it was built during the late Old Kingdom or early First Intermediate Period and later reused.

The third tomb, located near the famous New Kingdom tomb of Ka-Kem, differs in design. It contained a large amount of well-preserved pottery and human remains.