Jan Bartek – AncientPages.com – A collaborative effort between Egyptian and American researchers from the University of Pennsylvania has led to the discovery of a royal tomb from the Second Intermediate Period at the Gebel Anubis necropolis in Abydos, Sohag Governorate. This significant find sheds light on a lesser-known dynasty, often called the “Abydos Dynasty,” which governed Upper Egypt between 1700 and 1600 B.C.
Credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. Image compilation: AncientPages.com
Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the SCA, emphasized that this tomb offers new insights into royal burial practices in Abydos and enriches our understanding of Egypt’s political dynamics during that era. Archaeologists suggest that this tomb might belong to an ancestor of King Senebkay, whose own burial site was uncovered in Abydos in 2014.
Located seven meters underground, the tomb includes a limestone burial chamber with mudbrick vaults originally reaching five meters high. The walls are adorned with depictions of goddesses Isis and Nephthys at the entrance to the chamber, alongside remnants of hieroglyphic texts once displaying a king’s name. Joseph Wegner, leading the excavation mission, noted that while they have yet to confirm who was buried there or its exact date, ongoing research aims to resolve these questions.
Credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
Abydos has historically been one of Egypt’s most important religious and funerary locations. The Gebel Anubis necropolis is particularly notable for its naturally pyramid-shaped mountain—a feature that inspired King Senusret III (1874–1855 BCE) to build his monumental tomb beneath it. This tradition continued into later periods when rulers from both the 13th Dynasty and Abydos Dynasty chose similar burial sites deep within this desert landscape.
Credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
In parallel developments, an Egyptian team from the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) discovered a Roman-era pottery workshop in Banaweet village near Sohag. This site is believed to have been among the largest pottery production centers locally, and it includes kilns and extensive storage facilities. Additionally, 32 ostraca pottery fragments inscribed with Demotic and Greek texts were found, offering rare glimpses into ancient commercial activities and tax systems.
Mohamed Abdel-Badi, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, has disclosed evidence indicating that the site was repurposed as a burial ground in the 7th century CE and possibly remained active until the 14th century CE.
Credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
Among the findings were mud brick tombs, human remains, and family burials, including a child mummy positioned as if sleeping and adorned with a colorful woven cap. Additionally, archaeologists discovered the skull of a woman in her thirties. The excavation also revealed plant remains such as wheat roots, barley seeds, and doum palm fruit, providing insights into the region’s agricultural history.
See also: More Archaeology News
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy emphasized that these discoveries are significant for promoting Egypt’s rich cultural heritage and advancing academic research. He also highlighted that these findings demonstrate the ministry’s dedication to supporting both Egyptian and international excavation teams working in the country.
Written by Jan Bartek – AncientPages.com Staff Writer
