Abu dhabi: Egyptian archaeologists have uncovered two Early Dynastic tombs and several burials dating from the Predynastic and Late periods at the Gabal Al-Tair archaeological site in Minya governorate, a discovery that could reshape understanding of the evolution of ancient Egyptian funerary architecture.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Supreme Council of Antiquities reported that preliminary studies revealed similarities between the newly discovered tombs and the tomb of King Den at Abydos, highlighting the archaeological significance of the site. This finding emphasizes the importance of the Gabal Al-Tair site in understanding the architectural progression in ancient Egypt.
One of the tombs discovered features a unique architectural design with walls that decrease in thickness from the base upward. Experts believe this construction method may represent an early stage in the engineering concepts that eventually led to the development of step pyramids and true pyramids, marking a significant point in architectural evolution.
The mission also unearthed Predynastic burials in a crouched position, accompanied by black-topped pottery dating to the Naqada II and III periods. Additionally, individual and collective burials from the Late Period were found, confirming the site's continued use as a cemetery over successive historic eras. This discovery provides insight into the longstanding cultural and historical significance of the site.