Ancient Egyptian Coffins of Temple Singers Discovered in Luxor Necropolis

Archaeologists in Luxor have discovered 22 painted wooden coffins containing mummies from Egypt's Third Intermediate Period (1077–664 BCE). The excavation, conducted by the Supreme Council of Antiquities and the Zahi Hawass Foundation, took place in the Theban Necropolis on the Nile's west bank. Alongside the coffins, eight papyrus scrolls were found in a pottery jar. The coffins, which were stacked in a rock-cut chamber, primarily bear titles identifying their occupants as chanters or chantresses of the god Amun. This discovery provides new insights into the role of temple singers during a period when Amun's priesthood held significant political power in Upper Egypt.