Pre-dynastic bone caves near El Kab contain mummified human remains. Caves are pre-dynastic holes carved directly into bedrock, not typical structured tombs Remains include mummified hands, feet, pelvises, femurs, spines, ribs, and jaws wrapped in linen Bones date to approximately 3,000-3,500 years old (3rd-4th millennium BC)
Pre-dynastic caves near El Kab aren't typical tombs but holes carved into bedrock. Inside lie mummified hands, feet, spines, and jaws wrapped in linen, dating 3,000-3,500 years. Some served as family tombs, and elongated skulls have been found too. The site sits on the ancient route to Aswan, near Luxor.
Key Facts
- Caves are pre-dynastic holes carved directly into bedrock, not typical structured tombs
- Remains include mummified hands, feet, pelvises, femurs, spines, ribs, and jaws wrapped in linen
- Bones date to approximately 3,000-3,500 years old (3rd-4th millennium BC)
- Some caves are family tombs; remains believed to belong to tomb owners, supervisors, and workers from the area
- Elongated skulls were previously found in these caves
- Site is located on the ancient route to Aswan, about an hour outside Luxor
Related site: El Kab — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: Inside Egypt’s Forbidden Bone Caves: Mummies, Desert Graffiti & Lost Megaliths by Earth Explorer