Conny Waters – AncientPages.com – The Egyptian-French archaeological mission from the Egyptian-French Centre for the Study of Karnak Temples (CFEETK) has made a significant discovery at the Karnak Temples. During their excavation in the northwestern sector, they uncovered a collection of jewelry dating back to the early 26th Dynasty. This project was conducted in collaboration with the Supreme Council of Antiquities and France’s National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS).
Karnak Temple. Credit: Hedwig Storch – CC BY-SA 3.0 – Front: Discovered ancient Egyptian jewelry. Credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt – Image compilation: AncientPages.com
According to Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the SCA, this discovery is crucial as it enhances our understanding of how the Karnak Temples evolved during the first millennium BCE.
Karnak stands as one of the largest temple complexes globally, renowned for its extensive and diverse history. This impressive site offers insights into architectural, ritualistic, religious, economic, social, and political developments over centuries. Situated in southern Egypt near the modern city of Luxor, Karnak is surrounded by numerous ancient Egyptian ruins that further enrich its historical significance. The jewelry was found inside a small but intact broken pottery vessel and is remarkably well-preserved.
Abdel Ghaffar Wagdy, director general of Luxor antiquities and head of the mission on behalf of Egypt, detailed that among these artefacts are gold rings and other metal pieces, small golden amulets including a triad statue representing Amun, Mut, and Khonsu—ancient Egyptian deities—a metallic brooch, animal-shaped deity amulets, and numerous beads with some being gold-plated.
The discovery of the triptych featuring the Theban triad—Amun, Mut, and Khonsu—provides significant insights into ancient Egyptian religious practices. This triad represents a central aspect of Theban worship, with Amun as the king of gods, Mut as his consort, and Khonsu as their son. Understanding this trio offers valuable context for studying the cultural and spiritual life in ancient Egypt. Credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt
The archaeology team is actively engaged in the restoration and documentation of artifacts set to be showcased at the Luxor Museum. Jérémy Hourdin, leading the mission from the French side, highlighted that their research team continues excavations north of Karnak Temple. This area has revealed numerous large mudbrick structures from the early 26th Dynasty, thought to have served as production or storage facilities linked to Karnak Temple or other religious sites.
A collection of jewelry and amulets found at Karnak. Credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy commended this productive collaboration between Egyptian and French teams, noting that this discovery is part of a broader initiative within Karnak Temples—one of Egypt’s most important ancient temple complexes.
Credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt
The project aims to develop the open-air museum area and improve visitor services for an enhanced tourist experience.
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As part of these efforts, the mission has updated visitor pathways in the museum, installed a new lighting system, and restored and reassembled King Amenhotep I’s shrine. This project plays a crucial role in transforming the site into an appealing destination for both Egyptian and international visitors.
Written by Conny Waters – AncientPages.com Staff Writer
