Ongoing archaeological work along the Nile’s west bank is revealing significant discoveries at a necropolis, as reported by Egypt’s Tourism and Antiquities Ministry. These efforts, which commenced in November 2025, are shedding light on previously undocumented individuals and ancient artifacts from the Egyptian historical period.
Uncovering History at DraŹ» Abu el-Naga
The focus of these excavations is the DraŹ» Abu el-Naga necropolis, specifically the southeastern section adjacent to the tomb of Roy, an esteemed royal scribe from the 18th Dynasty, and his wife. This area has been largely obscured by debris from several archaeological projects conducted over the past century. The discoveries made in this region include 10 well-preserved wooden coffins, which were found concealed in a burial shaft situated between the tombs of Roy and Baki. Each coffin showcases a richness of decorative artistry, featuring various scenes and inscriptions.
Significant Findings from the Coffins
Preliminary examinations indicate that four of these coffins date back to the 18th Dynasty, with one coffin inscribed with the name Merit, who is believed to have been a priestess of the god Amun. Another coffin, dating from the Ramesside period (the 19th and 20th Dynasties), is associated with a priest named Padi-Amun, who served in the Temple of Amun. The remaining coffins are attributed to Egypt’s Late Period, around 664ā332 BCE, covering the span of the 26th to the 31st Dynasties.
Tragically, some of the mummies found within these tombs showed signs of damage, suggesting they had been disturbed in antiquity. This has led researchers to hypothesize that the burial shaft may have been utilized as a means of safeguarding the coffins after their original burial sites were compromised.
Discoveries of Additional Tombs
In addition to the coffins, the excavation also unveiled a previously unknown tomb belonging to a purification priest named Aa-Shefi-Nakhtu, located in the southern section of Bakiās courtyard. This tomb features an open courtyard, a rectangular shaft, and a decorated offering chamber replete with funerary texts and imagery focused on offerings. Notably, inscriptions within the tomb mention Aa-Shefi-Nakhtu’s father, Padi-Amun, also a purification priest, and detail the names of two chantresses of Amun, Isis and Ta-Kaft.
Another significant discovery includes tomb DP91, where a sandstone pyramidion was found inscribed with the name Benji, believed to be a scribe and noble. Historically, Benji’s original tomb has not yet been located, but experts suggest it may lie nearby, potentially marked by a mudbrick pyramid that eroded over time.
Insights into Ancient Egyptian Culture
The archaeological team has stated that the individuals and artifacts unearthed in this necropolis have not been documented in any known historical texts. Director-general Abdelghaffar Wagdy noted that the discoveries reflect previously unknown titles and functions in ancient Egyptian society. Also uncovered were over 30 mummified cats, buried in layers of debris south of Bakiās tomb, believed to date back to the Ptolemaic period, when animal mummies were often interred as offerings in religious rituals.
This ongoing excavation at DraŹ» Abu el-Naga not only enriches our understanding of ancient Egyptian history but also emphasizes the depth and diversity of the findings. As preservation and restoration efforts continue, these artifacts hold the potential for further insights into the lives and rituals of ancient civilizations.