The archaeologists of the mission carried out, by the Franco-Egyptian Center for the Study of Karnak temples (CFEETK), in collaboration with the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the Supreme Council of Egyptian Antiquities, in the northwest zone of the Karnak temples, have unearthed a partially broken ceramic container containing objects.
Among the artefacts discovered, which were dated from the XXVIE Dynasty (664 – 525 BC) are golden rings and amulets, some of which are sculpted with figures and symbols, as well as a spindle and a metal necklace with golden pearls and a statuette representing a triad of the Thebain Pantheon: Amon, his son Khonsou, represented in ceremonial outfit.
“It is a very important discovery” said Mohamed Ismail Khaled, of the Egyptian Antiquities Council, “It helps to better understand the historical development of Karnak temples during the first millennium before our era”.
Jewel representing the Theban triad; The 3 adored gods in the ancient city of Thebes (Luxor): Amon, Mout and their son Khonsou.
© Ministry of Tourism and Egyptian Antiquities
The Karnak complex, with its 20 temples and chapels, was the most important religious site in ancient Egypt during its peak, under the 18th dynasty (1550 – 1292 BC). It was enriched with constructions by Thoutmôsis II and Queen Hatchepsout, Thoutmôsis III then by Ramses III. According to beliefs, it is the place where the world was created as well as the place where the Solar God Amon-D and the Egyptians met.
At the end of the 20th dynasty, the construction activity slowed down. Then with the dissemination of Christianity, many buildings were abandoned or transformed into Christian churches. It was not until the 16th century that the ruins of the Karnak site were rediscovered.
Archaeologist Jérémy Hourdin, head of the French archaeological mission indicated that excavations will continue north of the Karnak temple. The site also delivered mud brick structures dating from the XXVIE Dynasty which would have been used as production or storage installation for the Karnak temple.
The artifacts are currently examined and restored. They will be exhibited at the Luxor museum which already houses other objects discovered inside the Karnak complex.
