A joint U.S.-Egypt archaeological team has uncovered two ancient Egyptian tombs in Luxor, working closely with the Ministry of Antiquities. The project, managed by the American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE), aims to enhance cultural tourism by offering training in conservation and archaeological fieldwork.
The discovery was made while ARCE's team of Egyptian archaeologists was engaged in cleaning, mapping, and surveying burial chambers at the Tombs of the Nobles on Luxor’s West Bank. The first tomb belongs to Rebiu, a nobleman during Pharaoh Amenhotep's reign and gatekeeper of the god Amun. Despite being filled with debris, its wall paintings remain vivid, depicting detailed scenes from daily life in Ancient Egypt. The second tomb is that of Sa-Mut from the 18th Dynasty of the New Kingdom (1543-1292 BC). It features celebration scenes and colorful paintings of Sa-Mut and his wife Ta-Khaeet.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has recently provided a new grant to ARCE to support ongoing efforts to conserve and manage Egypt’s cultural heritage resources effectively. For over sixty years, ARCE has collaborated with Egyptian historians, archaeologists, and conservators to preserve antiquities through documentation, conservation, and training. U.S.-funded projects have employed hundreds of Egyptians to ensure these historical treasures are protected for future generations.