Egyptian Archaeological Mission Discovers Three New Kingdom Rock-Cut Tombs at the Bubasteion Necropolis in Saqqara

In a new archaeological achievement that adds to the series of remarkable discoveries at Saqqara, the Egyptian archaeological mission working at the Bubasteion necropolis has uncovered three rock-cut tombs dating back to the New Kingdom. The discovery was made during scientific excavations in the eastern sector of the site’s rocky escarpment. It revealed important hieroglyphic inscriptions and archaeological remains that shed new light on the history of the ancient Memphite necropolis and enrich our understanding of prominent officials and members of society during this period.

 

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy said the discovery confirms that Saqqara continues to hold countless archaeological treasures yet to be uncovered. He noted that the succession of discoveries in the area highlights the site’s exceptional cultural value as one of the world’s most important UNESCO World Heritage sites.

 

He also praised the efforts of all Egyptian and foreign archaeological missions for continuing their scientific work, stressing that every new discovery represents a valuable contribution to understanding ancient Egyptian civilization and helps complete the historical picture of one of humanity’s greatest civilizations.

Dr. Hesham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained that the importance of the discovery extends beyond finding new tombs. It also revives the stories of their owners, bringing back chapters of history that remained buried beneath the sands for thousands of years. Each discovery, he said, carries significant historical and human value while enriching studies of Egyptian society during the New Kingdom.

Mohamed Abdel Badie, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the discovery forms part of the archaeological study project at the Bubasteion necropolis. It also opens the door to further discoveries in upcoming excavation seasons, particularly as work continues inside burial shafts and unexplored areas that are expected to yield new archaeological and historical information. These findings will help complete the historical picture of the tomb owners and add new chapters to the history of the Bubasteion, one of Saqqara’s richest and most significant necropolises.

Dr. Amr El-Tayeb, Director General of the Saqqara Antiquities Area, said the first tomb belongs to a man named Mentuhotep. Its northern walls feature finely executed scenes of offering bearers and hunting, alongside a large depiction of the tomb owner seated with his mother, Iahhotep, reflecting the family’s high social status.

The tomb’s inscriptions record several prestigious titles, including Hereditary Prince, Mayor, Royal Follower, One Who Pleases the Heart of the Ruler, Administrator, Overseer of Foreign Lands, and Commander of the Army of the City of Khabeshet. These titles indicate that Mentuhotep was among the senior administrative and military officials during the early New Kingdom.

The tomb also contains a burial shaft where excavations have not yet been completed. Work is expected to resume during the next archaeological season and may reveal additional information about the identity of Mentuhotep’s mother, the family’s history, and its role in ancient Egyptian administration.

The second tomb belongs to Paremwia, also known as Samut, who held the title Chief Merchant of the House of Ptah. The tomb serves as a comprehensive family record, preserving the names of his wife Tuy, who bore the title Lady of the House, his mother Atbiyu, a Singer of the God Amun, and his four sons. Together, these inscriptions provide a rare glimpse into the family and social life of a prominent New Kingdom figure.

The third tomb belongs to a man named Nehesy. Although it is poorly preserved, the remaining inscriptions retain considerable historical significance. Archaeologists were able to identify the tomb owner’s name and his title, Overseer of the House, as well as the name of his wife, Neferptah, who held the title Lady of the House.

Among the most significant features of this tomb is part of a column bearing a hieroglyphic inscription describing the return of a military commander from the land of Naharin in northern Syria. The text is particularly important because it not only helps date the tomb to the New Kingdom but also provides new evidence of Egypt’s relations with regions of the ancient Near East during that period.