Aswan – An Egyptian archaeological mission affiliated with the Supreme Council of Antiquities has uncovered a group of rock-cut tombs dating back to the Old Kingdom at Qubbet el-Hawa on the west bank of the Nile in Aswan.
According to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the newly discovered tombs contain burial shafts and chambers, confirming their funerary function. Preliminary studies indicate that the site was reused during the First Intermediate Period and the Middle Kingdom, underscoring the long-standing importance of the necropolis across successive eras of ancient Egyptian history.
Excavations also revealed approximately 160 pottery vessels of varying sizes and forms, many inscribed in hieratic script and believed to have been used for storing grains and liquids. In the outer courtyard area, the mission unearthed a collection of Middle Kingdom artefacts, including bronze mirrors, alabaster kohl containers, bead necklaces, and amulets.
Officials described the discovery as a significant addition to the archaeological record of Aswan, reinforcing Qubbet el-Hawa’s status as one of Upper Egypt’s most important burial sites, with tombs spanning from the Old Kingdom through the Greco-Roman period.
The excavation team continues its fieldwork and documentation efforts, with further findings expected as the current season progresses.
