Lost Pharaoh’s Tomb Unearthed in Abydos!
A remarkable discovery has been made in Egypt’s Mount Anubis necropolis in Abydos—a royal tomb dating back to the Second Intermediate Period (c. 1640–1540 BCE). An Egyptian-American team, led by Professor Josef Wegner from the University of Pennsylvania, uncovered the burial site, shedding new light on the so-called Abydos Dynasty. However, despite the tomb’s grandeur and significance, the identity of the pharaoh remains a mystery due to extensive damage caused by ancient looters.
Photo Credit: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
A Royal Tomb Without a Name
The tomb, which lies about 7 metres (23 feet) underground, consists of a limestone burial chamber with mudbrick vault linings. Originally standing around 5 metres (16 feet) high, it is significantly larger than other tombs from the same era. Hieroglyphic inscriptions at the entrance depict the goddesses Isis and Nephthys, both closely associated with funerary rites. Unfortunately, the crucial inscriptions that once bore the king’s name have been damaged beyond recognition, making it difficult for archaeologists to identify the ruler.
Photo Credit: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
The Abydos Dynasty, which governed Upper Egypt while the Hyksos ruled the north, remains one of the lesser-documented periods in Egyptian history. The newly discovered tomb bears similarities to that of King Senebkay, found in Abydos in 2014. Mohamed Abdel Badie, head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, suggests that this tomb could belong to one of Senebkay’s predecessors, possibly King Senaiib or King Paentjeni, both of whom are known to have built monuments in Abydos.
A Tomb Plundered by Time
Tragically, ancient looters ransacked the tomb centuries ago, removing all valuables, including the king’s mummy and sarcophagus. Even the recess meant to hold canopic jars was found empty. Tomb looting in the region dates back as far as the Roman period when valuable materials such as limestone, granite, and quartzite were often stolen from burial sites.
More Discoveries in Banawit Village
In addition to the royal tomb, another exciting find was made in Banawit village, north of Abydos. A team from the Supreme Council of Antiquities uncovered a Roman-era workshop for pottery and glass production, offering insight into Egypt’s industrial past between 30 BCE and 642 CE. The site featured multiple kilns and storage areas, as well as 32 ostraca—pottery shards inscribed with Greek and Demotic texts documenting trade and tax records.
Photo Credit: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
According to Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, this workshop was likely one of the largest production centres serving Egypt’s Ninth District. Interestingly, the site was later repurposed in the 14th century CE as a burial ground. Among the remains discovered were mudbrick tombs containing mummies and skeletons, including a child wearing a fabric cap and the skull of a 30-year-old woman. The presence of wheat roots, palm seeds, and barley suggests a link between agricultural practices and burial customs in the Sohag region.
Photo Credit: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
The Search for More Secrets
This new discovery reinforces the idea that Egypt’s past still holds many untold stories. Even without a mummy, the tomb’s architectural details and inscriptions provide invaluable insights into the evolution of royal burials in Abydos. The archaeological team plans to continue excavating in the hopes of uncovering more tombs—perhaps even one that remains untouched by time.
With each new find, we piece together more of Egypt’s fragmented history, bringing to life the forgotten rulers who once shaped this ancient civilisation. Who knows what else remains hidden beneath the sands of Abydos?