Archaeologists working as part of the Egyptian-American South Asasif Conservation Project have made a fascinating discovery near Luxor: a tomb dating to Egypt's Middle Kingdom period (ca. 2030-1650 BC). This is the first tomb of this period discovered in a region famous for its ancient Egyptian monuments and tombs. The revealed tomb contains 11 sealed burials, among which archaeologists found a "family of coffins" - several burials of men, women and children, suggesting that this tomb was used by many generations of the family.
The find is an incredible addition to the archaeological understanding of the life and customs of the ancient Egyptians, and its discovery has caused great interest in the scientific community. Excavations revealed not only coffins, but also numerous precious artifacts, including necklaces, bracelets, scarab rings, and amethyst belts. However, the tomb suffered from floods, which led to significant damage to the wooden structures of the coffins and the linen wrappings, although some items were preserved in almost perfect condition. One of the most impressive items is a necklace of amethyst beads and carnelian balls, topped with a hippo head amulet.
The tomb also contains a large number of other unique artefacts, such as a faience figurine of fertility, decorated with jewelery and detailed elements indicating the high status of the deceased. One of the man's burials also became a topic of special interest due to a luxurious necklace, which testifies to his high position in society.
Experts suggest that this tomb was used by several generations of the family, probably during Egypt's 12th and early 13th dynasties. An important aspect is that this discovery reinforces the importance of South Asasif as an important part of the necropolis of Theban Middle Ages, which still contains many mysteries and provides new opportunities for scientific research.
