NEW EGYPTIAN TOMBS WIDEN NEW KINGDOM’S FUNCTION

12 new tombs of the 18^th Dynasty have been discovered by the Swedish mission at Gebel el Silsila, Egypt. These include those rock-cut tombs with one or two chambers, crypts cut into the rock, offering niches, a tomb with several animal burials, and multiple juvenal burials, some intact.

 The burial chronology and archaeological material here correlate with those previous excavations from the cemetery, limited so far to the rule of Amenhotep II and Thutmosis III.

Further, a wealth of material culture has also been excavated. These include painted cartonnage, finely dressed sandstone sarcophagi, carved and occasionally painted pottery coffins, ceramic plates and vessels, textile and organic wrapping, and a variety of scarabs, amulets and jewelry.

Preceding research of the numerous human remains excavated here indicate that the individuals were healthy. Very little proof of infection and malnutrition has been discovered.

However, increased muscle attachments, and fractured long bones indicate that they lived in a highly labor intensive society. Moreover, the advanced stage of healing of many of those injuries points to the effective medical care.

Further field work here is expected to increase their understanding of the New Kingdom’s overall function and role. 

Content Source:http://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/article/twelve-new-tombs-discovered-in-gebel-el-silsila-egypt

Image: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/could-the-remains-of-queen-nefertiti-be-hidden-behind-king-tuts-tomb/