Previously Unreported New Kingdom Necropolis Revealed in Egypt

Dozens of tombs have been discovered by archaeologists working in Gebel el-Silsila in Egypt. Bones of men, women, and children of all ages have all been found in the rock-cut tombs. The necropolis is believed to be 3,400 years old and suggests that the site was more of a permanent settlement than previously believed.

The site, which was known in ancient times as Khenu (the Place of Rowing), is located 65 km (40 miles) north of Aswan. It was a special location for its sandstone quarries on both sides of the Nile. Stressing the importance of the site, Discovery News says that “Blocks used in building almost all of ancient Egypt’s great temples were cut from there.”

As Ancient Origins reported in 2015 when two shrines were discovered: “It is known for its impressive stelae and cenotaphs and many types of ancient graffiti, including inscriptions in hieroglyphics, hieratic, demotic and also Greek and Latin. The site has petroglyphs and elaborate pictographs, as well as painted and carved art from prehistory through to many later periods.”