Nearly 4,000-Year-Old Funerary Site Found by Archaeologists in Aswan

In this article: 

• You will learn about the recent rock-cut tomb discoveries at the prominent funerary site of Qubbet EL-Hawa near Aswan. 
• Also, several vessels and chambers of the funerary site describe important insights into the burial traditions of the Egyptians.  
• During the excavation, around 160 vessels were found. What is inside them is also mentioned in this article, and how the archaeological department is continuing research is also explained in a simple way. 

On the west banks near Aswan, at Qubbet EL-Hawa, a significant site where archaeologists recently discovered a series of rock-cut tombs that seem to hold history and artifacts from centuries ago. During the digging of a funerary complex there, the roots and hieroglyphics are seen connected with the construction of pyramids, which indicates that this funerary site existed from the Old Kingdom period, which is 2686 to 2181 BCE in Egypt. 

While excavating the funerary site, the archaeologists have found that the site is much more than a burial plot of the old kingdoms. The structure, chamber, and walls depict that it was first created during the Old Kingdom, then the site was repurposed during the Intermediate and New Kingdoms in Egypt. This discovery depicts the significance of the archeological site Qubbet el-Hawa, which has served as the resting place for the pharaohs and officials. 

The notable factor of the discovery  

The burial ground is important for other factors, but most prominently, this funereal place is also the final resting place of Sarenput II, a governor in the 12th dynasty in Egypt. “This is the major discovery,” it is said by the officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in Egypt. The excellently preserved chambers of this funerary site include chambers that house hundreds of artifacts at different locations. 

During the digging, two rooms and around 160 ceramic vessels were discovered; they are found in a mix of shapes and styles. The ministry official, who was part of this discovery, also stated that ceramic vessels are kept in a remarkable state of preservation as they belong to the Old Kingdom period and that they found them fully intact throughout the rooms of the funerary site. 

About vessels and Chambers  

The head of the Egyptian Antiquities sector of the council, Mohamed Abdel-Badie, said that some of the vessels contained variations of hieratic script, which is cursive hieroglyphics, providing insights about the funerary practices and culture of the Old Kingdom in Egypt. It is a famous inscription language that has made it easier to understand the contents inside. 

In the preliminary analysis, it was found that these ceramic vessels are likely to contain the liquid and grains, which were kept for the deceased. It is an important part of the Egyptian last rites that food kept with the dead person helps them sustain the journey to the afterlife. The discovery of the vessels has kept the traditions alive and now works as evidence about the burial practices of ancient times. 

Before the underground burial chambers, the archaeologists have found a country-yard-like area, which serves as an entrance, that further leads to a network of chambers. Objects found in these chambers are dated around 2055-1650 BCE, which reflects the time period of the Middle Kingdom in Egypt. It is a time period in Egypt when burial traditions were at their peak and craftsmanship was highly developed. 

Archaeologists then found several objects, which were used to be part of burial traditions. They have found copper alloy mirrors, which may be used for personal grooming, alabaster cosmetic containers, and small jars that were used for keeping oils and perfumes. Then, some jewelry and decorative items, and also some colorful necklaces, were also found, which were likely to be worn by the dead before placing them in the tomb.  

Amulets were also discovered, which were kept for protection; these are significant symbols, which include figures of gods and religious values. The symbols on the amulets are connected to the ancient Egyptian religion. 

The Supreme Council of Antiquities, Hisham El-Leithy, states that their authority is responsible for protecting and studying Egypt’s historical sites. With this discovery, the Qubbet el-Hawa archaeological site becomes more prominent and famous for the ancient cemetery, also known as a necropolis. Because of its strategic location, Aswan was an important gateway in history between Egyptians and Nubians, which is why major officials lived and were buried here. 

This site is not particularly used by any single dynasty; over time, different dynasties have reused the burial site to continue funerary practices. It is considered the sacred funerary space, meaning a holy space to bury the dead. 

With a significant number of tomb remains found and because of the high volume of burial elements, research in this area will continue to span multiple Egyptian eras. The Qubbet el-Hawa is an important cultural hub, said officials, and they have also stated that further programs are to be carried out here to search for artifacts and tombs. 

Conclusion

Every archaeological discovery in Egypt nowadays unveils a new dimension for historians to explore. So follow us to not miss any updates about recent discoveries in Egypt. Learn about the history and culture of Egypt before planning a trip; for booking, you can contact Nile Cruisen, experts. 

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