An Egyptian archaeological mission has uncovered three rock-cut tombs dating to the New Kingdom at the Bubastion necropolis in Saqqara.
The tombs, discovered during excavations on the eastern section of the site’s rocky escarpment, contain hieroglyphic inscriptions and other artefacts shedding light on the officials and society of ancient Memphis.
Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy said the discovery demonstrated that Saqqara still held “archaeological treasures yet to be uncovered”, highlighting the site’s exceptional cultural importance as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The first tomb belonged to a man named Mentuhotep, whose titles included hereditary prince, mayor, royal attendant, according to Amr el-Tayebi, director general of the Saqqara archaeological area.
The tomb’s northern walls feature scenes of offering bearers and hunting, as well as a depiction of Mentuhotep seated alongside his mother, Iah-hetep. A burial shaft has yet to be excavated and work is due to resume during the next archaeological season.
The second tomb belonged to a man named Samut, who held the title of chief merchant of the House of Ptah. Inscriptions record the names of his wife, Tui, his mother, Atbeu, and their four children, offering a glimpse into family and social life during the New Kingdom.
The third tomb belonged to a man named Nehesy. Although it is poorly preserved, remaining inscriptions identify him as an overseer of the house and name his wife, Neferuptah, who held the title “Lady of the House”.
The discovery was made as part of an ongoing archaeological study of the Bubasteion necropolis, one of Saqqara’s richest burial grounds, with further excavations expected in coming seasons.
