Recent excavations on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor have revealed fascinating new insights into the burial practices of ancient Egyptian civilization.
A team led by the Zahi Hawass Foundation for Antiquities and Heritage, in collaboration with Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, has unearthed a range of significant finds at the Deir el-Bahari complex, one of the most famous archaeological sites in Egypt. These discoveries, which date back approximately 3,600 years, offer a deeper understanding of cult rituals, funerary offerings, and the role of wine in ancient Egyptian burial practices.
Key Discoveries: Rock-Cut Tombs and Sacred Spaces
Among the most notable finds from the excavation are rock-cut tombs, burial shafts, and part of the Valley Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, dating to the 18th Dynasty of the New Kingdom. This area, which had already been a focal point for archaeological exploration, continues to provide invaluable glimpses into the religious and funerary customs of Pharaonic Egypt. The discovery of these tombs is significant because it sheds light on the practices surrounding the deceased, as well as the ways in which sacred sites were reused throughout Egypt’s history.
Funerary Objects and Rituals
Among the objects discovered were a variety of funerary items, including:
- Bronze Coins with the Image of Alexander the Great: Dating from the period of Ptolemy I, these coins provide a connection between Egypt's ancient past and its later Hellenistic period.
- Children's Toys and Clay Figurines: These small items were found in tombs, highlighting the Egyptian belief in the afterlife for all, including children.
- Funerary Masks and Amulets: Worn by mummies, these protective items were used to safeguard the deceased during their journey to the afterlife.
- Winged Scarabs and Beads: Common elements of Egyptian funerary rituals, symbolizing regeneration and protection.
One of the most significant discoveries was the presence of several ceramic offering tables. These tables were used to present food and drink, including bread, meat, and wine, as offerings to the deceased. These offerings played a key role in Egyptian funerary practices, ensuring that the dead had the sustenance required for their journey to the afterlife. Wine, particularly, had a symbolic role, reserved for the elites and associated with regeneration and eternal life. This is reflected in the large number of amphorae found, used to contain the wine and other liquids used in the rituals.
Discovering the Valley Temple of Hatshepsut
The excavations also yielded remains of the Valley Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, one of ancient Egypt’s most famous female pharaohs. The temple, which dates to the 18th Dynasty, is an essential part of the Deir el-Bahari complex, and the discovery of additional sections provides further insight into the grandeur of Hatshepsut’s reign and the religious practices associated with her temple.
A Glimpse into the Middle Kingdom and 17th Dynasty
The team also uncovered tombs from earlier periods, including the Middle Kingdom (1938 BC – 1630 BC) and 17th Dynasty (1580 BC – 1550 BC). The tomb of a child, which had remained intact for over 3,000 years, was one of the most surprising discoveries, as many tombs in this area had been looted during the Ptolemaic period.
Additionally, military artifacts such as bows were found, suggesting that some of the tomb owners were soldiers who fought in the wars that helped expel the Hyksos, an Asiatic people who once ruled parts of Egypt. This provides valuable information about Egypt’s military history and the individuals who contributed to its defense.
The Tomb of Djehuti-Mes: Insight into the Royal Court
One of the tombs uncovered in this excavation belonged to Djehuti-Mes, a high official in the court of Queen Teti Sheri, the wife of Pharaoh Ahmose I. Djehuti-Mes played a critical role in the royal administration, as indicated by inscriptions found on the funerary steles inside the tomb. This discovery provides further details about the workings of the royal court during the early New Kingdom period.
The Ptolemaic Necropolis
The team also uncovered parts of a Ptolemaic necropolis, built over the remains of Hatshepsut’s Valley Temple. This necropolis, constructed of mud bricks, had been partially explored in the 20th century but remained largely unexplored until these recent excavations. This find highlights how sacred spaces were reused throughout Egyptian history, with new tombs being built over older, revered sites.
Further Discoveries: Asasif South Necropolis
In a nearby excavation conducted by Egyptian and American archaeologists in November, a Middle Kingdom tomb with eleven sealed burials was uncovered at the Asasif South necropolis, near the Temple of Hatshepsut. These recent discoveries, together with those at Deir el-Bahari, further reinforce the importance of wine and other ritual elements in funerary practices throughout the different periods of Egyptian history.
Source: Vinetur