14 DAY TRIAL // A statement issued by officials with Egypt's Ministry of Antiquities just hours ago details the discovery of yet another millennia-old tomb in the city of Luxor. The tomb, located on the Nile's west bank, was built sometime between the 16th and the 13th century BC.
More precisely, archaeologists say that it was erected during the time of Ancient Egypt's 18th dynasty, i.e. 1580 BC to 1292 BC. Another tomb dating back to the same period in the country's history and built to honor the guardian of the temple of the god Amun was unearthed just days ago, also in Luxor.
The newly discovered tomb is beautifully decorated
Like the final resting place of the god Amun's gatekeeper, this latest previously unknown ancient tomb unearthed in the city of Luxor was found by the team of researchers entrusted with restoring a valuable archaeological site and burial complex in the region.
In their statement announcing the discovery, officials with the Ministry of Antiquities in Egypt explain that the tomb was built for a man named Sa-Mut and his wife, Ta-kh-at. The couple is depicted in the gorgeous paintings decorating the tombs' walls.
Of these ancient artworks, many are in surprisingly good condition, considering their age. The thing is that, by the looks of it, some of the inscriptions and texts that the people who erected the tomb placed next to them are either badly damaged or missing altogether.
Archaeologists believe that this is because, centuries ago, the burial place was robbed. Whoever was behind this crime did not just steal whatever artifacts they could find but also took the time to erase part of the ancient inscriptions and texts on the tomb's walls.
When researchers first entered this tomb, the floor was covered in debris. It is understood that a handful of human remains were also found lying on the ground. Whether these ancient bones belong to Sa-Mut and his wife Ta-kh-at is yet to be determined, Luxor Times informs.
The newly discovered tomb is shaped like the letter T. Thus, it comprises a fairly impressive hall and adjacent side chambers. Archaeologists plan to continue exploring it in the weeks to come and hope that they will soon know more about the couple for whom it was built.
The temple guardian's tomb was also found by chance
As mentioned, it was just days ago that another ancient burial place was discovered not far from the site accommodating for the tomb of Sa-Mut and his spouse. This other tomb was too discovered by chance and shows signs of having been robbed quite a while ago.
Researchers say that the man for whom this monument was supposed to serve as a final resting place was named Amenhotep. Like Sa-Mut, he was buried together with his wife. Their life together is illustrated by surprisingly homey scenes painted on the tomb's walls.
