Dra Abu el-Naga necropolis on Luxor's west bank has yielded three New Kingdom tombs belonging to senior statesmen, according to an Egyptian archaeological mission. The discovery confirms the site's importance as a burial ground for nobles and officials across the New Kingdom period (~1550–1070 BCE). The tombs belonged to senior officials who held important administrative positions during ancient Egypt's most prosperous era.
Elite tombs at Dra Abu el-Naga reveal New Kingdom officials' responses to state crisis
Site mentioned
📍 Dra Abu el-Naga
Key facts
- Dra Abu el-Naga served as burial ground for elite officials for approximately 2,500 years from end of 11th dynasty (around 2000 BCE) through Coptic period
- Tomb of Harry dates to beginning of 18th dynasty, contemporary with Ahmose I
- Tomb of Jehuti dates to around 1470 BCE, served as overseer of treasury during Hatshepsut's reign
- Tomb of Roy built during reign of Horemheb contains funeral and afterlife scenes
- Tomb of Amanope from early 20th dynasty during Ramesses III's reign shows official serving as third prophet of Amun
- Tombs show archaism and emphasis on tradition during period of state strain
- Dra Abu el-Naga contains diverse burial types including royal pyramid tombs of 17th dynasty, rock-cut chapels, and shaft tombs
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