An Egyptian archaeological mission has discovered the "
largest ancient city in Egypt
", dating back more than 3000 years before our era, near Luxor, in the south of the country, its director, the former minister of Antiquities and archaeologist Zahi Hawass.
"
The archaeological mission (...) discovered a buried city (...) which dates from the reign of King Amenhotep III and which continued to be used by King Tutankhâmon, that is to say 3000 years ago
", affirms the archaeological mission in a press release.
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Arrived on the throne in 1391 before our era, Amenhotep III died in -1353.
Objects, including jewelry and pottery bearing his seal were discovered in the city, thus confirming the dating, it is specified.
It is "
the largest ancient city in Egypt
", according to Zahi Hawass, quoted in the press release.
The mission began its excavations in September 2020 between the temples of Ramses III and Amenhotep III near Luxor, about 500 km south of Cairo.
Archaeological discoveries.
Zahi Hawass Center for Egyptolog / REUTERS
"
Lost city
"
"
Within a few weeks, to the team's surprise, clay brick formations began to appear,
" the statement said.
And the site is "
in a good state of conservation, with almost entire walls and rooms full of tools of daily life
."
"
The discovery of this lost city is the second most important archaeological discovery since the tomb of Tutankhamun,
" said Betsy Brian, professor of Egyptology at Johns Hopkins University, in the United States, also quoted in the press release.
It will notably allow "
to offer us a rare glimpse into the life of the ancient Egyptians during the most prosperous hours of the (New) Empire
".
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The city is made up of "
three royal palaces (...) as well as the administrative and manufacturing center of the Empire
".
But archaeologists also unearthed a “
food preparation area
” with a “
bakery
”, an “
administrative district
” and a construction “
workshop
”.
Two burials of "
cows or bulls
" as well as an "
unusual
"
human body
were also discovered.
A skeleton found.
Zahi Hawass Center for Egyptolog / REUTERS
After years of political instability linked to the popular revolt of 2011, which dealt a severe blow to the key tourism sector, Egypt is seeking to bring back visitors, in particular by promoting its ancient heritage.
Last week, 22 floats carrying mummies of ancient Egyptian kings and queens passed through Cairo in a spectacular parade to reach the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), the new home of these royal remains.