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A number of well-preserved Third Intermediate Period tombs have been uncovered at the Ramesseum by a French-Egyptian mission (the Supreme Council of Archaeology and the French National Research Centre and Sorbonne University). The tombs, discovered in the north-eastern area, contained canopic jars, nested coffins, and 401 ceramic shabti figures, as well as scattered human remains.
The team has uncovered more of the archaeological layout of the temple’s ‘House of Life’ and school, too, together with the remains of students’ drawings, ancient learning tools, and educational toys. Storerooms and cellars were found to the north, containing a large number of wine-jar labels, and evidence for the storage of olive oil, honey, and fats. Other discoveries include a series of administrative buildings in the eastern part of the temple, stone and textile workshops, kitchens and bakeries. Ongoing restoration work includes the reconstruction of the colossi of Ramesses II and his mother Queen Tuya, and the re-excavation of the Middle Kingdom Tomb of Sehetepibra, first discovered in 1896 by James Quibell.
Text: Sarah Griffiths / All images: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
