A tomb belonging to an unidentified pharaoh, estimated to be around 3,600 years old, has been discovered in Egypt, according to a report by Reuters on the 27th (local time). Archaeologists from the University of Pennsylvania Museum and Egypt’s Ministry of Antiquities announced that they had unearthed the tomb at a depth of seven meters beneath the Abydos archaeological site in central Egypt. This marks the second ancient Egyptian royal tomb confirmed this year. The tomb was found in a severely damaged state, and no remains were recovered that could confirm the identity of its occupant. Excavation teams also reported evidence of looting dating back approximately 1,700 years.

The research team, currently leading the excavation, believes the tomb likely belonged to one of the early pharaohs of the Abydos dynasty. Professor Joseph Wegner of the University of Pennsylvania explained, “The pharaoh’s name was inscribed in hieroglyphs on the entrance’s plaster-brick wall, accompanied by depictions of the goddesses Isis and Nephthys. However, the inscriptions have been damaged during the looting, rendering them illegible.” Reuters further reported that, in addition to its decorated entrance, the tomb comprises several chambers constructed with mud bricks, standing up to five meters tall. Excavation efforts are still ongoing.

(JoongAng Ilbo, March 28, 2025)