Archaeological discoveries reported in Luxor and Saqqara

An Egyptian-German mission has announced new archaeological finds near the Colossi of Memnon in Luxor. Excavations within the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III revealed large fragments of two royal sphinxes, measuring approximately eight meters in length, located behind the third pylon. The fragments include detailed elements such as headgear, beards, and necklaces. Additionally, several black granite busts of the goddess Sekhmet were recovered. These artifacts are undergoing cleaning and stabilization for future reintegration at their original sites.

In Saqqara, a Czech mission has uncovered several Old Kingdom tombs. Key findings include an unexamined offering chapel belonging to Ikhetneferet, wife of the priest Sabu, and the burial chamber of the high official Ptahshepses. The chapel contains a false door featuring depictions of Ikhetneferet, her husband, and their two sons. In the tomb of the son, Ptahshepses, researchers discovered a limestone sarcophagus containing human remains. The Egyptian Tourism and Antiquities Authority officially announced these findings following a site visit by Minister Sherif Fathy.