Recent archaeological endeavors at Qubbet Al-Hawa, a renowned historical site in southeastern Egypt near Aswan, have yielded substantial discoveries. Researchers from Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) have uncovered several ancient rock-cut tombs, some of which contain a wealth of artifacts, offering new insights into the daily lives and burial customs of ancient Egyptians across various historical periods.
The current mission specifically focused on exploring subterranean burial shafts and their associated chambers. A particularly notable find was two chambers densely packed with 160 pottery vessels. Many of these containers bear inscriptions and are thought to have been utilized for storing grains and various liquids. The remarkable preservation of these diverse pottery items, varying in form and dimension, provides invaluable information about the period.
Another tomb's exterior courtyard presented an impressive collection of objects from the Middle Kingdom. This assemblage included bronze mirrors, receptacles for kohl, beaded necklaces, and other ornate jewelry. Such findings strongly indicate that this tomb complex served as a burial ground for an extended duration, commencing in the Old Kingdom, approximately between 2700 and 2200 BCE, and continuing through later periods.
Hisham El-Leithy, the Secretary General of the SCA, emphasized the ongoing commitment to studying these newly found rock-cut tombs. The continued examination aims to unravel the intricate patterns of their initial use and subsequent reuse over centuries, thereby enriching our understanding of ancient Egyptian society and its evolution.
Situated on the western bank of the Nile, Qubbet Al-Hawa has been a focal point of archaeological interest since its initial excavations in the late 1880s. The site is distinguished by approximately 100 tombs carved into the cliff faces, originally designated as final resting places for local governors, dignitaries, and religious figures. This necropolis remained an active burial site from the Old Kingdom up to the Roman era. Prior recent findings at the site include the discovery of ten mummified crocodiles in 2019, six flat-roofed mud-brick graves in 2020, and three Old Kingdom tombs containing human remains in 2025.
These latest revelations underscore the enduring historical significance of Qubbet Al-Hawa, continually revealing more about ancient Egyptian civilization through its richly preserved burial sites and the artifacts they contain.