Middle Kingdom tomb discovered at Giza

Egypt's Antiquities Minister, Dr. Mamdouh Eldamaty announced the discovery of a Middle Kingdom tomb at El-Lisht in the Dahashur necropolis, Giza.

Section of a decorative wall 
[Credit: Ministry of Antiquities]

The discovery was made during joint excavation works of Egyptian and American archaeologists in this area headed by Mohammad Yusuf, Director of Dahshur Area and Sara Parcak from Alabama University.

Eldamaty pointed out that the mission works in Egypt within the framework of a plan developed by the Ministry of Antiquities to document and preserve the results of the illegal digging that spread after the 25th of January 2011 Revolution.

Wall engravings depict the deceased in various scenes 
[Credit: Ministry of Antiquities]

Head of the Ancient Egyptian Antiquities Sector, Dr. Mahmoud Afify said that the newly discovered tomb lies to the south of King Senusret I's Pyramid.

The tomb is carved in the bedrock of the necropolis and has a mud brick ramp.  It belongs to an important official during the reign of King Senusret I from the 12th Dynasty who held the title of "Royal Deals Bearer".

The Entrance gate of the tomb 
[Credit: Ministry of Antiquities]

Scenes of the individual buried within are engraved on the walls of the tomb, performing various tasks in front of deities or with his family.

Sarah Parcak, director of the archaeological mission from Alabama University, said that the mission is now training a number of Egyptian archaeologists on the new techniques and methods used in the documentation and preservation of antiquities, as well as using satellites in safeguarding the archaeological sites.

Mohamed Youssef and Sarah Parcak at work 
[Credit: Ministry of Antiquities]

El-Lisht is the site of the Middle Kingdom necropolis for royals and elites. It includes the two pyramids of kings Amenemhat I and Senusret I, which are surrounded with smaller pyramids of members of the royal family, as well as many mastaba tombs of top governmental officials.

Source: Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities [February 24, 2016]