Archaeologists have uncovered significant portions of the foundation wall of Queen Hatshepsut’s Valley Temple in Luxor, as well as the nearby tomb of Queen Teti Sheri, grandmother of Ahmose I, Egypt’s first pharaoh of the New Kingdom.
The discovery, which includes over 1,000 decorated stone blocks, was announced on Wednesday by Zahi Hawass, the leading archaeologist behind the excavation. Hawass, former minister of antiquities, has been overseeing the dig since 2022.
Hatshepsut, a prominent female pharaoh of the 18th dynasty who ruled Egypt until her death around 1458 B.C., had her valley temple intentionally destroyed centuries later. This marks the first time over 1,500 decorated blocks have been found at the site, showcasing some of the most vibrant and detailed scenes ever uncovered, according to Hawass.
A limestone tablet discovered at the site bears the name of Senmut, Hatshepsut’s architect, who oversaw the temple’s construction.
Additionally, archaeologists unearthed the tomb of Queen Teti Sheri, the grandmother of Ahmose I, who played a key role in expelling the Hyksos from Egypt. The tomb, dating back over a century before Hatshepsut’s reign, is a simple structure carved into rock, with red wall paintings adorning a mudbrick vaulted chapel.
