Archaeologists near Luxor, Egypt, have uncovered a previously undocumented ancient tomb while working to protect nearby monuments from flooding, according to a report by Daily Galaxy.
The tomb, found on the west bank of the Nile River within the Theban Necropolis, is believed to have belonged to a high-ranking official named Paser and still holds vivid wall paintings, the report said.
An international team of researchers has worked at the site since 2018 in partnership with Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. The Theban Necropolis, on the Nile's west bank opposite Luxor, contains tombs and monuments built for ancient Egyptian nobility and forms part of the wider Luxor archaeological zone recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
How the tomb was found
Archaeologists were clearing ground and building a system to divert water away from already known tombs when they came upon the entrance to the undocumented burial. Researchers determined the structure dates to the Ramesside period, roughly 1292 to 1069 BC, and that its layout is typical of tombs built for Theban nobility during the New Kingdom.
Paintings show a couple and offerings
Paintings preserved on the walls of the tomb's chapel show a man and a woman, presumed to be Paser and his wife, along with scenes depicting worship of ancient Egyptian gods. In front of the couple stands a table laden with offerings of bread, beer, fruit and flowers.
Researchers said preliminary analysis of the decoration suggests Paser was the tomb's owner, though the paintings remain covered in dirt. Once they are cleaned, specialists expect to learn more about the identity of the tomb's owner and the other people buried there.
Why the discovery matters
The tomb could help researchers understand why Ramesside-era officials often built new burials or rebuilt older ones next to monuments from the 18th Dynasty. Researchers want to determine what role religious processions, family burial sites and the ritual significance of the area played in the choice of location.
Flooding threat to the site
The newly found monument is currently at risk from water, according to the report. Flooding can cause salt crystals to form, damaging the ancient paintings and weakening the tomb's structure.
