In a remarkable find that sheds new light on ancient Egyptian burial practices, the country’s Antiquities Ministry has announced the discovery of a large necropolis near the Nile Valley city of Minya, south of Cairo, containing at least 40 mummies and a striking amulet necklace inscribed with the phrase “Happy New Year.”
The extensive cemetery, featuring a range of family tombs and individual graves, is located north of the Tuna al-Gabal area. Archaeologists began excavation work in the region late last year, uncovering tombs linked to priests of Thoth, the ancient Egyptian god of the moon and wisdom.
One particularly significant tomb yielded more than 1,000 statues alongside four well-preserved alabaster canopic jars designed to hold the mummified internal organs of the deceased. The jars’ lids are adorned with the faces of the four sons of the god Horus. Inside, archaeologists found the mummy of a priest, elaborately decorated with blue and red beads and bronze gilded sheets.
A total of 40 coffins, known as sarcophagi, believed to belong to the priest’s family members, were also recovered from the site. Several of these bear the names of their owners inscribed in hieroglyphics. Another tomb contained multiple coffins, statues depicting ancient priests, and various other funerary artifacts.
Mostafa Waziri, head of the archaeological mission, highlighted the discovery of four amulet necklaces featuring semi-precious stones. One of these amulets was engraved with the phrase “Happy New Year,” adding an intriguing personal touch to the ancient burial ensemble.
Eight tombs have been uncovered so far, with officials anticipating further finds in the coming months. “We will need at least five years to work on the necropolis,” said Antiquities Minister Khaled al-Anani. “This is only the beginning of a new discovery.”
The area has long been recognized for its ancient tombs dating to the Pharaonic Late Period and the Ptolemaic dynasty. In 2017, the ministry discovered another necropolis in Tuna al-Gabal containing at least 17 mummies. The region is also known for extensive catacombs, a funerary building, and a large necropolis housing thousands of mummified ibis and baboon birds, along with other animals.
This latest discovery offers valuable insights into the religious and funerary traditions of the period, particularly the reverence for Thoth and the elaborate preparations made for the afterlife among priestly families. The presence of the “Happy New Year” inscription on an amulet provides a fascinating glimpse into the personal or ritualistic expressions embedded within these ancient customs.
Egyptian authorities hope that continued archaeological successes across the country will help revitalize the vital tourism sector, which has faced significant challenges since the political upheaval following the 2011 uprising. Antiquities-related sightseeing remains a cornerstone of Egypt’s tourism industry, and such high-profile discoveries often reignite global interest in the civilization’s enduring mysteries.
As excavation continues in the Minya necropolis, researchers expect the site to yield even more artifacts and information, potentially reshaping understandings of daily life, religious practices, and burial customs during Egypt’s Late Period and Ptolemaic era. For now, the “Happy New Year” necklace serves as a compelling reminder that even in death, the ancient Egyptians left behind messages that continue to resonate thousands of years later.
