The Nile River has yielded another incredible archaeological treasure: large-scale inscriptions dedicated to ancient Egyptian pharaohs, including Thutmose IV and Amenhotep III. These remarkable carvings were discovered during a recent underwater survey near Aswan, a joint effort by Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities and the University of Paul Valéry Montpellier in France. This discovery was initially announced by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
The inscriptions lie beneath the waters that flooded the area after the construction of the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s. While numerous archaeological sites and monuments were relocated before the dam’s completion—most notably the Temple of Dendur, now housed in New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art—some historical remnants were inevitably left behind. Remarkably, these carvings have remained preserved beneath the Nile’s surface for decades.
The carvings depict several pharaohs, including Thutmose IV, an 18th-dynasty king who reigned in the early 14th century BCE, and Amenhotep III, his successor, who ruled from 1390 BCE to 1353 BCE. Interestingly, Amenhotep III is believed to have been the original owner of a meteoric iron dagger that was later discovered in Tutankhamun’s tomb. The underwater inscriptions also feature references to Pharaohs Psamtik II and Apries.
More of the underwater carvings.Detailed underwater carvings depicting ancient Egyptian pharaohs. Image courtesy of the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
Hesham El-Leithy, head of the antiquities preservation sector within the Supreme Council of Antiquities, stated that the survey incorporated advanced techniques like photogrammetry and detailed archaeological drawings to document the carvings. Furthermore, Islam Selim, head of the council’s Underwater Antiquities department, revealed that the team is now developing 3D models of the inscriptions. This meticulous documentation will pave the way for scientific publication of the findings, allowing researchers and enthusiasts worldwide to study these remarkable artifacts.
451754293 871417978353083 4224619207861863320 NClose-up of the intricate carvings found submerged in the Nile River. Image courtesy of the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
This underwater discovery offers a glimpse into the rich history of ancient Egypt and highlights the importance of ongoing archaeological efforts. The Nile continues to hold secrets waiting to be uncovered, offering further insights into the lives and legacies of the pharaohs.
