Egyptologists find vast millenia-old 'lost golden city'

The First Art Newspaper on the Net    Established in 1996 Thursday, March 28, 2024


Egyptologists find vast millenia-old 'lost golden city'
In this file photo taken on January 17, 2021, Egyptologist Zahi Hawass poses for a picture during the official announcement of the discovery by an archaeological mission he leads of a new trove of treasures at Egypt's Saqqara necropolis south of Cairo Khaled DESOUKI / AFP.



CAIRO (AFP).- Archaeologists hailed Thursday the discovery of "the largest" ancient city found in Egypt, buried under sand for millenia, which experts said was one of the most important finds since unearthing Tutankhamun's tomb.

Famed Egyptologist Zahi Hawass announced the discovery of the "lost golden city", saying the site was uncovered near Luxor, home of the legendary Valley of the Kings.

"The Egyptian mission under Dr. Zahi Hawass found the city that was lost under the sands," the archeology team said in a statement.

"The city is 3,000 years old, dates to the reign of Amenhotep III, and continued to be used by Tutankhamun and Ay," the statement added.

It called the find "the largest" ancient city ever uncovered in Egypt.

Betsy Bryan, Professor of Egyptian Art and Archaeology at Johns Hopkins University, said the find was the "second most important archeological discovery since the tomb of Tutankhamun", according to the team's statement.

Items of jewellery such as rings have been unearthed, along with coloured pottery vessels, scarab beetle amulets and mud bricks bearing seals of Amenhotep III.

"Many foreign missions searched for this city and never found it," said Hawass, a former antiquities minister.

The team began excavations in September 2020, between the temples of Ramses III and Amenhotep III near Luxor, some 500 kilometres (300 miles) south of the capital Cairo.

"Within weeks, to the team's great surprise, formations of mud bricks began to appear in all directions," the statement read.

"What they unearthed was the site of a large city in a good condition of preservation, with almost complete walls, and with rooms filled with tools of daily life."




'Tombs filled with treasures'

After seven months of excavations, several neighbourhoods have been uncovered, including a bakery complete with ovens and storage pottery, as well as administrative and residential districts.

Amenhotep III inherited an empire that stretched from the Euphrates to Sudan, archaeologists say, and died around 1354 BC.

He ruled for nearly four decades, a reign known for its opulence and the grandeur of its monuments, including the Colossi of Memnon -- two massive stone statues near Luxor that represent him and his wife.

"The archaeological layers have laid untouched for thousands of years, left by the ancient residents as if it were yesterday," the team's statement said.

Bryan said the city "will give us a rare glimpse into the life of the Ancient Egyptians at the time where the Empire was at his wealthiest".

The team said they were optimistic that further important finds would be revealed, noting they had discovered groups of tombs reached through "stairs carved into the rock", a similar construction to those found in the Valley of the Kings.

"The mission expects to uncover untouched tombs filled with treasures," the statement added.

After years of political instability linked to a popular revolt in 2011, which dealt a severe blow to Egypt's key tourism sector, the country is seeking to bring back visitors, in particular by promoting its ancient heritage.

Last week, Egypt transported the mummified remains of 18 ancient kings and four queens across Cairo from the iconic Egyptian Museum to the new National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation, a procession dubbed the "Pharaohs' Golden Parade".

Among the 22 bodies were those of Amenhotep III and his wife Queen Tiye.


© Agence France-Presse










Today's News

April 9, 2021

French 4,000-year-old carving is oldest map in Europe: study

Christie's announces highlights included in the Classic Week auctions

Egyptologists find vast millenia-old 'lost golden city'

Spain blocks sale of possible Caravaggio painting

Pastel portrait by John Russell acquired for the Nationalmuseum Sweden collections

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art reveals plans for major expansion designed by Safdie Architects

Niki de Saint Phalle: Rage recast as jolliness

High Museum receives major gift of self-taught art

The Morgan acquires prints by Martin Puryear

Pace Gallery expands presence in Seoul with larger, two-story gallery space opening in May

The National Gallery announces six shortlisted design teams for its NG200 plans

Russian coin sells for astounding $2.64 million

Zorn - A Swedish Superstar opens at Nationalmuseum

Crozier announces acquisition of Martinspeed

Buckingham Palace Garden to open to visitors this summer

Whitney announces promotion of Adrienne Edwards to Director of Curatorial Affairs

George Washington University announces New Corcoran Director

Influenced by art and architecture, Espenet Wishbone Chairs coming to Heritage Auctions

Heritage Auctions announces record first quarter sales surpassing $337 million

Cultural venues' quest for billions in federal aid is halted by glitch

Tanglewood is back this summer, with Beethoven and Yo-Yo Ma

Rare coin from the reign of Elizabeth I fetches 16,120 at Dix Noonan Webb

Creative Skills and Subjects you can Learn with a Tutor

Do You Have To Have A Gun Permit To Own Collectors' Firearms?

Beginner guide for online casino betting and sports betting

Read Online Casino Review at KT2win




Museums, Exhibits, Artists, Milestones, Digital Art, Architecture, Photography,
Photographers, Special Photos, Special Reports, Featured Stories, Auctions, Art Fairs,
Anecdotes, Art Quiz, Education, Mythology, 3D Images, Last Week, .

 



Founder:
Ignacio Villarreal
(1941 - 2019)
Editor & Publisher: Jose Villarreal
Art Director: Juan José Sepúlveda Ramírez

Royalville Communications, Inc
produces:

ignaciovillarreal.org juncodelavega.com facundocabral-elfinal.org
Founder's Site. Hommage
to a Mexican poet.
Hommage
       

The First Art Newspaper on the Net. The Best Versions Of Ave Maria Song Junco de la Vega Site Ignacio Villarreal Site
Tell a Friend
Dear User, please complete the form below in order to recommend the Artdaily newsletter to someone you know.
Please complete all fields marked *.
Sending Mail
Sending Successful