A tomb with 11 family tombs and jewelry thousands of years old was unearthed near Luxor. Photo

Archaeologists from the Egyptian-American mission have discovered a 4000-year-old tomb in the South Assassin's Necropolis in Luxor, Egypt. This is the first tomb of the Middle Kingdom (1938 BC - 1630 BC) found in the area.

The funerary chamber contained the remains of 11 men, women, and children who were buried in ancient colored coffins with inscriptions and paintings. This is evidence of a family cemetery that was used by generations during the 12th and 13th dynasties, the DailyMail writes.

According to archaeologists, the items found in the graves testify to the wealth of the people buried there. In particular, the women's remains contain magnificent jewelry in excellent condition – amulets, rings with scarabs, and belts made of carnelian beads. Two copper mirrors with ivory handles and bracelets made of semi-precious stone beads were also found, Arkeonews reports.

"One mirror had a lotus-shaped handle, and the other shows a rather rare drawing of a four-faced Hathor, which represents her as a woman with strict facial features," said Olena Pishchykova, director of the South Assassin's Project for the Preservation of the South, which led the excavations.

Many amulets depicting hippo, hawk, and snake heads were also found.

Most of the jewelry was found among the remains of women, with the exception of an elaborate necklace that was discovered in one of the tombs of a man. It is one of the most exquisite pieces of jewelry found. After all, it consists of 30 amethyst beads and two agate beads surrounding a hippo's head. According to the researchers, this decoration indicated that the man was a high ranking member of the population of that time.

During the Middle Kingdom, the hippopotamus was considered extremely important because it symbolized the power of the Nile River. It was often buried in tombs to protect the dead as they entered the afterlife, scientists say.

The archaeologists also called a fertility figurine made of green and blue glaze from earthenware an "important find".

"It is well modeled and decorated with a variety of jewelry and diamonds on the legs and torso. Her cropped hair is painted black. The head is pierced with holes located in three sections. The holes were intended for attaching "hair". Almost 4000 mud beads found next to the figure were its original hair," noted Olena Pishchykova.

According to scientists, many of the tomb's original wooden coffins and linen wrappings were destroyed by ancient floods, but some items remained intact, including jewelry from women's burials.

Egyptian Minister of Antiquities Khaled El-Anani said the tomb, found on the west bank of the Nile in Luxor, was likely used by a family for many generations, TheSun reports.

The researchers emphasize that this important discovery contributes to the understanding of the burial practices and rituals of the Theban necropolis in the Middle Kingdom, and also presents a fine collection of exquisite jewelry that is well preserved.

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