STORY: Egypt announces new archaeological discoveries near Luxor 
SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 8, 2025
DATELINE: Jan. 9, 2025
LENGTH: 00:01:28
LOCATION: Cairo 
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. photos of the archaeological sites and unearthed cultural relics
2. various of the Hatshepsut's funerary temple (file) 

STORYLINE:

Archaeologists in Egypt have unearthed significant finds, including parts of a temple linked to Queen Hatshepsut, the country's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said Wednesday.

Near Luxor, a team led by Zahi Hawass discovered well-preserved foundations of the valley temple that served as the main gateway to Hatshepsut's funerary complex. The ancient structure dates back to the 18th Dynasty (around 1539-1292 BC).

Excavation efforts yielded over 1,000 decorated blocks and fragments bearing detailed carvings and inscriptions. These are considered rare examples of sculptures from the reigns of Hatshepsut and her successor, Thutmose III. 

Egypt's ministry said that the inscriptions are the most complete ones to be found at the temple, which was deliberately destroyed during the Ramesside Period (around 1292-1077 BC).

More than 100 limestone and quartzite tablets were discovered to have royal cartouches containing Hatshepsut's name. These, along with clues in the foundations, confirm Hatshepsut's ownership of the temple.

The team uncovered rock-cut tombs, including one belonging to "the Overseer of the Palace" of Queen Tetisheri from the 17th Dynasty (around 1630-1540 BC). Also discovered were burial shafts from the same period, an extensive necropolis, and bronze coins from the Ptolemaic Period (the last dynasty of ancient Egypt).

Abdel-Ghaffar Wagdy, Director General of Luxor Antiquities, told Xinhua that the discoveries would "undoubtedly help attract more tourists."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Cairo.
(XHTV)