Archaeologists Unseal Tombs Sealed 5,000 Years Ago

Archaeologists have opened two Early Dynastic tombs in Egypt that were sealed about 5,000 years ago. The discoveries at Jabal al-Tair reveal the engineering techniques of ancient builders: walls thickened at the base, stone masonry with tool marks, and wooden supports. Predynastic burials with pottery from the Naqada II and III periods were also found. The Ministry of Antiquities confirmed the authenticity of the finds.

Archaeologists have opened two Early Dynastic tombs in the Minya province at the Jabal al-Tair site, which had remained untouched for about five thousand years. The find sheds light on the origins of monumental architecture in Egypt before the pyramid era. The walls of one tomb are thickened at the base and taper upward, indicating an understanding of weight distribution. The masonry is made of durable blocks, with traces of oxides from tools preserved on the surfaces. Wooden supports are integrated into the walls. The similarity to the tomb of Pharaoh Hor-Den at Abydos (2950 BC) has attracted the attention of researchers. Earlier Predynastic burials were also found: remains in a flexed position, wrapped in mats, with clay vessels nearby. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt confirmed that the black-rimmed pottery decoration corresponds to the Naqada II and III periods. Remains of wooden coffins from a later period prove that the necropolis was used for centuries. Work continues.