Three Tombs Open to Public for First Time in Luxor

The Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities opened three tombs in Luxor’s Valley of the Kings to the public for the first time on Thursday.

The tombs, located in Qurnat Marey, are some of the most important resting places for New Kingdom nobles, who lived more than 3,000 years ago.

The tomb of Huy, Viceroy of Kush under King Tutankhamun, is considered to be the most important, and features wall paintings depicting southerners from Nuba paying tribute to the ancient Egyptians in a festival.

“In many ways the tomb of Huy gives us one of the most detailed and colorful glimpses into the interactions of Egyptians and Nubians during the high noon of imperial Egypt,” John Darnell of Yale University explained.

Tomb TT 277 of Amunemonet, one of of Amenhotep III’s funerary temple priests, was also opened, along with Tomb TT 278 of Amunemhab, who was the keeper of the cattle belonging to god Amun Re’s temple.

Most of Luxor’s tombs in Luxor are closed to the public, but several are kept open at any given time, with access rotating regularly to allow the tombs to “rest” from humidity and visitors.

Before touring the tombs, Egyptian Minister of Antiquities Mamdou ElDamaty acknowledged the tragic Russian plane crash that took place in Sinai recently. “It is very sad what happened, but we have to wait for the result of the investigation,” he said.

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