Ancient Egyptian Tomb of Ramesses III’s Military Commander Unearthed!
Archaeologists in Egypt have made an incredible discovery—a 3,200-year-old tomb believed to belong to a senior military commander from the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses III. Unearthed at the Tell el-Maschuta site in the Ismailia governorate, this find sheds new light on Egypt’s eastern defences during the New Kingdom period.
Photo Credit: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
A Glimpse into Egypt’s Military Past
Dr Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, emphasised the historical significance of Tell el-Maschuta, describing it as a key military outpost. Fortifications and garrisons in the area suggest that it played a crucial role in protecting Egypt from external threats.
The tomb itself is constructed from mud bricks and comprises a main burial chamber along with three additional rooms, their walls coated in white mortar. Inside, archaeologists uncovered a fascinating collection of artefacts, confirming the high status of the individual buried within. Among the most remarkable discoveries were a gold ring bearing the cartouche of Ramesses III, bronze arrowheads, and a small ivory box—strong indications that the tomb belonged to a high-ranking military leader of the time.
Photo Credit: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
A Connection to Pharaoh Horemheb
One of the most intriguing aspects of the find is the presence of pottery vessels inscribed with the name of Pharaoh Horemheb, who ruled Egypt between 1323 and 1295 BCE—over a century before Ramesses III. This suggests that the tomb may have been repurposed over time, a practice not uncommon in ancient Egypt.
Further evidence of reuse came in the form of human remains found within. A skeleton covered in cartonnage—linen and plaster used in mummification—suggests that the burial had been altered during later periods. Additionally, alabaster vessels, semi-precious stones, and amulets depicting deities such as Taweret and Bes, along with the Eye of Udjat, a powerful protective symbol, were recovered.
Photo Credit: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
A Crossroads of Civilisations
Beyond the military commander’s tomb, archaeologists also uncovered a series of burials dating to the Greco-Roman and Late Periods. These included both collective and individual graves containing skeletal remains and funerary artefacts. According to Professor Qutb Fawzi Qutb, director of the Lower Egypt and Sinai Antiquities Department, the combination of Egyptian and Greco-Roman elements in these burials provides valuable insight into the cultural diversity of the region.
Ramesses III and the Defence of Egypt
Pharaoh Ramesses III, who ruled from approximately 1184 to 1153 BCE, is often regarded as the last great ruler of ancient Egypt. His reign was marked by military conflicts, including battles against the Sea Peoples—a group of seafaring raiders who posed a significant threat to Mediterranean civilisations. The Battle of the Delta in 1175 BCE saw the Egyptian navy successfully repel these invaders with superior tactics along the Nile.
The newly discovered tomb raises compelling questions about the identity of the military commander buried within. If he served under Ramesses III, it is possible that he played a crucial role in defending Egypt during these turbulent times.
What’s Next for the Excavation?
The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has confirmed that further excavations will continue at the site. Researchers hope to uncover more details about Egypt’s military history and the significance of Tell el-Maschuta as a strategic stronghold. With each new discovery, archaeologists bring us closer to understanding the lives of those who shaped one of history’s most powerful civilisations.