
Ancient Old Kingdom Tombs Discovered Near Aswan
Archaeologists at Qubbet el-Hawa near Aswan uncovered rock-cut tombs from Egypt’s Old Kingdom (c. 2686–2181 BC) that were reused in later eras, including the First Intermediate Period and Middle Kingdom. The digs produced about 160 mostly intact ceramic vessels with hieratic inscriptions, plus copper-alloy mirrors, alabaster cosmetic containers, amulets, and other personal adornments, offering new insights into ancient burial customs and southern Egypt’s enduring funerary significance.