The Egyptian archaeological mission working at Qubbet El-Hawa necropolis in Aswan has uncovered three rock-cut tombs dating back to the Old Kingdom, the Egyptian Cabinet has announced. Preliminary findings suggest that some of the tombs were later reused during the Middle Kingdom, reflecting the enduring historical importance of Qubbet el-Hawa as a burial site across successive periods of ancient Egyptian history. The discovery is considered a significant contribution to Egyptology, offering new insight into the transitional period between the end of the Old Kingdom and the beginning of the First Intermediate Period. Though the tombs are undecorated, they preserve traditional architectural features and burial rituals, indicating limited economic resources at the time. The first tomb, devoid of inscriptions, includes an open courtyard containing two false doors, offering tables, pottery vessels, and poorly preserved wooden coffins with human remains. A burial shaft in the courtyard revealed additional coffins, skeletal remains, and pottery—some inscribed with hieratic script dating to the Old Kingdom. The second tomb, to the west of the first, is also undecorated. It contained offering tables and pottery believed to be from the Middle Kingdom. Its architectural style suggests it was initially constructed at the end of the Old Kingdom or early First Intermediate Period, then reused in the Middle Kingdom. The third tomb, located west of the New Kingdom tomb of Ka-Kem, differs in design and also lacks inscriptions. It contained a large quantity of well-preserved pottery and skeletal remains, including those of children. Evidence points to its origin in the Old Kingdom. The discovery underscores the significance of Qubbet El-Hawa as one of southern Egypt's most important archaeological sites, enhancing scholarly understanding of burial traditions and architectural evolution during critical transitional periods in ancient Egyptian history. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
