Lost Pharaoh’s Tomb Unearthed in Egypt, Shedding Light on Mysterious Abydos Dynasty

A team of archaeologists has made a groundbreaking discovery in Egypt’s Anubis Mountain necropolis—a royal tomb dating back 3,600 years. This tomb could provide the strongest evidence yet of the elusive Abydos Dynasty, a little-known ruling lineage of Upper Egypt that existed between 1700 B.C. and 1600 B.C.

For years, scholars have debated whether the Abydos Dynasty was real or just a fragmented part of Egyptian history. But the newly uncovered burial site, announced by Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, might finally validate its existence.

A Hidden Tomb Deep Beneath the Sand

Led by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, the excavation revealed a massive underground burial chamber, approximately 7 meters (23 feet) below the surface. Constructed from limestone and mud bricks, the tomb features vaults and a towering 5-meter (16.5-foot) high chamber, unlike anything seen before from this era.

At the tomb’s entrance, golden bands of hieroglyphs were discovered, possibly revealing the name of the buried pharaoh. Though his identity remains unknown, the presence of inscriptions dedicated to the goddesses Isis and Nephthys—both associated with mourning and the afterlife—suggests a royal connection.

A Connection to King Senebkay?

According to Mohamed Abdel Badie, head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, the newly found tomb is significantly larger than other known Abydos Dynasty tombs. This suggests that the buried pharaoh might have been a predecessor of King Senebkay, who ruled sometime between 1650 B.C. and 1600 B.C.

Joseph Wagner, the head of the excavation mission, pointed out striking similarities between the architectural style of this tomb and that of Senebkay’s, which was discovered in 2014. If further evidence confirms a link between the two, this discovery could rewrite Egypt’s Second Intermediate Period history.

The Legacy of Mount Anubis Necropolis

The tomb lies within the Anubis Mountain necropolis, one of Egypt’s most significant burial sites. This location also houses the tomb of King Senusret III (1874 B.C.-1855 B.C.), a powerful pharaoh of the Middle Kingdom. His choice to build a grand tomb in the pyramid-shaped summit of Mount Anubis likely set a precedent for future rulers to be buried there.

More Discoveries Await

In an unexpected twist, another excavation in the area recently uncovered a Roman-era pottery workshop. Researchers found several burials at the site, including a mummified child wearing a colorful hat and the skull of a 30-year-old woman. Wheat roots and seeds from ancient plants were also discovered, shedding light on life and traditions during that time.

Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, emphasized that both discoveries—the royal tomb and the pottery workshop—will help boost tourism and offer deeper insights into Egypt’s rich and complex history. Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Mohamed Ismail Khaled, added that the findings provide crucial context to the political landscape of the Second Intermediate Period.

Though much remains to be studied, this hidden tomb has opened a new chapter in the search for Egypt’s lost kings. Further research will determine its exact date and uncover more details about the mysterious pharaoh who once ruled from the shadows of history.