The mission's findings enrich our understanding of Egypt's 18th Dynasty and the Hyksos period. They also provide valuable insights into the transition from Egypt's Middle Kingdom to the golden age of the 18th Dynasty, shedding light on the impact of the Hyksos period on ancient Egyptian history. Furthermore, the discoveries offer invaluable information on burial practices, artistic achievements, and the enduring significance of Queen Hatshepsut's temple as a cultural and historical landmark.

Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), stated that the discovery is significant due to its location in Luxor and its relevance to Queen Hatshepsut, making it the first major archaeological breakthrough of 2025. Khaled noted that three years of dedicated work culminated in this achievement.

He explained that this season's highlights include discovering inscribed blocks depicting Queen Hatshepsut and King Thutmose III. "These remarkable blocks retain their vivid colours and offer a glimpse into the artistry of the period", Khaled said, adding that these artefacts will be displayed at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir.

A display showcases multiple newly-unearthed artifacts, during a media event to announce new discoveries by an Egyptian archaeological mission at Queen Hatshepsut's Valley Temple in Deir El-Bahari on the Nile's west bank in Luxor. AFP

Renowned Egyptologist and head of the mission Zahi Hawass highlighted the discovery of a collection of arrowheads, likely used in battles against the Hyksos, and numerous coffins, all dating back to the 17th Dynasty. The discovered coffins included the coffin of "Djehuty Mes," the supervisor of Queen Tetisher, King Ahmose's grandmother, who played a pivotal role in liberating Egypt from the Hyksos. "Despite the owner's high status, the tomb's relative modesty reflects the economic challenges Egypt faced at the time due to prolonged wars against the Hyksos", Hawass noted. He also suggested that the discovery indicates that Queen Tetisheri remained alive until the ninth year of King Ahmose's reign and that the tombs of Kings Kamose and Ahmose might be near this burial site.

Hawass described the discovery as the first significant royal find on Luxor's west bank since the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb, marking a milestone in studying ancient Egyptian history.

Tarek El Awady, deputy director of the Egyptian archaeological mission, elaborated on the team's notable discoveries. These include discovering the foundational remains of Queen Hatshepsut's Valley Temple, which once served as the grand entrance to the queen's funerary complex, and more than 1,000 intricately decorated blocks and fragments with rare bas-reliefs and inscriptions showcasing the artistic mastery of the reigns of Hatshepsut and her successor, Thutmose III. Other findings include over 100 limestone and quartzite tablets inscribed with Queen Hatshepsut's cartouches and a unique tablet naming Senmut, her renowned architect.

A display showcases a stele and multiple artifacts unearthed during a partial excavation of the Assassif Ptolmaic necropolis, during a media event to announce new discoveries by an Egyptian archaeological expedition at Queen Hatshepsut's Valley Temple in Deir El-Bahari on the Nile's west bank in Luxor. AFP

El Awady added that the intact foundation deposits, which he described as unmatched since Herbert L. Winlock's excavations a century ago, offer invaluable insights into the temple's construction and the queen's legacy.   

The mission also discovered Middle Kingdom rock-cut tombs predating the 18th Dynasty.

In addition, the mission discovered older necropolises buried beneath Hatshepsut's temple. Although these necropolises were looted, the team recovered artefacts such as pottery, offering tables, and models of bread, wine, and meat, which provided insights into the burial practices of the era.

Additionally, the mission uncovered intact wooden coffins, known as "Rishi coffins," including one containing the remains of a child bound with ropes. Nearby, a well-preserved mat and a woven wooden bed dating to the transition between the 17th and 18th Dynasties were also discovered, reflecting the lives of necropolis guards and their roles during Egypt's liberation struggles against the Hyksos.

A picture shows an intact cache of mummification material and tools from the Ptolmaic period, during a media event to announce new discoveries by an Egyptian archaeological mission at Queen Hatshepsut's Valley Temple in Deir El-Bahari on the Nile's west bank in Luxor. AFP

The team also uncovered parts of a Ptolemaic necropolis built over the remnants of Hatshepsut's structures in Assasif. Artefacts from this period include bronze coins featuring Alexander the Great, children's toys, funerary masks, and scarabs.

The mission continues to analyze and preserve these artefacts, ensuring their inclusion in Egypt's rich narrative and future public exhibitions.