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18/09/2025

Live: One more time at the Egyptian museum in Tahrir for King Tutankhamen before the last move to the Grand Egyptian Museum

Golden Bracelet Theft from the Egyptian Museum Solved — Suspects Arrested, Money Recovered but Bracelet Gone Forever The...
18/09/2025

Golden Bracelet Theft from the Egyptian Museum Solved — Suspects Arrested, Money Recovered but Bracelet Gone Forever

The Ministry of Interior has revealed the full details of a recent theft case reported on September 13 by the Deputy Director of the Egyptian Museum and a museum restoration specialist, concerning the disappearance of a Late Period gold bracelet from a secure safe inside the museum’s conservation laboratory.

Following intensive investigations, authorities identified the perpetrator as a female conservator at the museum, who stole the bracelet on September 9 while on duty, using a “distraction” technique. She then contacted an acquaintance — the owner of a silver shop in Cairo’s El-Sayeda Zeinab district — who sold the artifact to a gold workshop owner in Al-Sagha (the goldsmiths’ district) for EGP 180,000. The workshop owner subsequently sold it to a gold smelter employee for EGP 194,000, where it was melted down and incorporated into other gold items for re-casting.

After obtaining the necessary warrants, security forces apprehended all involved individuals. During questioning, the suspects confessed to the crime, and authorities seized the proceeds of the sale in their possession.

Legal measures have been taken, and the case has been referred to the Public Prosecution for further action.

Submerged Port Discovered at Taposiris Magna Temple Site, AlexandriaThe Dominican archaeological mission working at the ...
18/09/2025

Submerged Port Discovered at Taposiris Magna Temple Site, Alexandria

The Dominican archaeological mission working at the site of Taposiris Magna Temple, west of Alexandria, has announced new underwater findings that confirm the existence of a submerged ancient port connected to the temple and directly linked to the Mediterranean Sea.

The mission, led by Dr. Kathleen Martinez of Universidad Nacional Pedro Henriquez Ureña, in collaboration with Dr. Robert Ballard — founder and CEO of the Ocean Exploration Trust — conducted a detailed geological and archaeological survey that revealed the remains of a protected inner harbor.

Evidence of a Harbor Complex

According to the research team, the harbor was shielded by natural coral reefs, and the seabed yielded a collection of stone and metal anchors of various sizes, along with a large quantity of amphorae dating to the Ptolemaic period. The survey also confirmed that the ancient coastline once lay nearly four kilometers north of today’s shoreline — an indication of significant geological change since antiquity.

The investigation further revealed an extension of a tunnel running from the Taposiris Magna Temple toward the Mediterranean, reaching as far as the area known as “Salam 5,” where divers uncovered additional archaeological material suggesting maritime activity in antiquity.

A Strategic Maritime Hub

H.E. Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, stated that the discovery highlights Egypt’s deep maritime history and confirms that its ancient coastlines were not only cultural centers but also strategic gateways for trade and cultural exchange with the wider Mediterranean world. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting research projects that shed light on Egypt’s submerged heritage.

Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, described the find as a major contribution to Egypt’s maritime archaeology. “No ancient sources had previously referred to a port at this site,” he said, adding that the discovery enhances our understanding of the economic and religious infrastructure of the region and reinforces Egypt’s historical role as a global hub for maritime activity.

Continuing the Search for Cleopatra’s World

Dr. Kathleen Martinez emphasized that these results represent a new chapter in the study of Taposiris Magna and its environs. “Our mission will continue to explore and document the site’s rich archaeological record, revealing more about its role in the late Ptolemaic period,” she said.

Last year, the same mission uncovered foundation deposits beneath the southern wall of the temple’s outer enclosure, including a variety of ritual and funerary artifacts: 337 coins (many bearing the likeness of Queen Cleopatra VII), ceramic ritual vessels, oil lamps, limestone food containers and cosmetic jars, bronze statues, a scarab amulet inscribed with the phrase “The justice of Ra has shone”, and a bronze ring dedicated to the goddess Hathor. The team also documented pottery sherds and architectural remains that date the temple walls to the 1st century BCE and identified remains of an earlier Greek-period temple, built in the 4th century BCE and destroyed between the 2nd century BCE and the start of the Roman era.

17/09/2025

We are Egypt!
New campaign by the ministry of tourism and antiquities in Egypt.

Breaking News: Egyptian Museum Reports Disappearance of King Amenemope Bracelet, Case Referred to ProsecutorsMinistry Re...
16/09/2025

Breaking News: Egyptian Museum Reports Disappearance of King Amenemope Bracelet, Case Referred to Prosecutors

Ministry Refers Missing Bracelet Incident at the Egyptian Museum’s Restoration Lab to Authorities

Image Circulated to All Ports, Airports, and Heritage Units Nationwide

Announcement Delayed to Ensure Smooth Progress of Investigations

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has confirmed that it has taken all necessary legal measures following the disappearance of an ancient bracelet from the restoration lab at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir. The case has been referred to the relevant security authorities and the Public Prosecution, and all competent bodies have been notified to take the required actions.

A specialized committee has been formed to inventory and review all artifacts housed in the restoration lab. As a precautionary measure, an image of the missing piece has been circulated to archaeological units at all Egyptian airports, land and sea ports, and border points across the country.

Dr. Ali Abdel Halim, Director-General of the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir, clarified that the images circulating on some news websites and social media platforms do not depict the missing object. He emphasized that the bracelets shown in those images are on display in the museum’s second-floor galleries and that the bracelet under investigation is entirely different. The missing piece is a gold bracelet with spherical lapis lazuli beads, belonging to King Amenemope from the Third Intermediate Period (ca. 993–984 B.C.)

The Ministry stressed that the delay in publicly announcing the incident was intended to provide the proper environment to ensure the integrity of the investigation process.

Egyptian Archaeologists Discover Copper Smelting Workshop and Administrative Buildings in South SinaiIn a significant ne...
14/09/2025

Egyptian Archaeologists Discover Copper Smelting Workshop and Administrative Buildings in South Sinai

In a significant new discovery, the Egyptian archaeological mission working at Wadi Nasb in South Sinai has uncovered a copper smelting workshop, several administrative structures, and ancient watchpoints, as part of its ongoing excavations at this major mining site.

Strategic Significance of Sinai

This discovery comes within the framework of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities’ efforts to advance archaeological research in Sinai and to highlight Egypt’s pioneering role in managing and exploiting its mineral wealth — opening new horizons for cultural tourism in areas that still hold many secrets.

H.E. Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, emphasized that this discovery underscores the strategic importance of Sinai in ancient Egypt as a principal source of copper and turquoise, and affirms the deep Egyptian presence in the region across the ages. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment — through the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) — to supporting archaeological missions, as these discoveries not only enrich scientific knowledge but also connect the achievements of ancient Egyptians with contemporary concepts of sustainable development.

Evidence of Industrial Activity Across Dynasties

Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the SCA, noted that the excavation results reveal architectural and industrial remains indicating continuous Egyptian mining activity in Wadi Nasb from the Old Kingdom through to the Late Period, with a marked flourishing during the New Kingdom.

Among the finds are copper-smelting workshops, multiple copper ingots of varying shapes and sizes, and clay tuyères (blower nozzles) — compelling evidence of an organized and advanced metallurgical industry that produced copper for transport to the Nile Valley for use in craft, military, and administrative purposes.

Watchpoints Turned into Workshops

Prof. Mohamed Abdel-Badei, Head of the Egyptian, Graeco-Roman Antiquities Sector at the SCA, added that two major structures were identified:
• A rectangular sandstone building near the western entrance of Wadi Nasb.
• Another near the junction of Wadi Nasb and Wadi Suwr.

Both were initially used as watchpoints before being repurposed during the New Kingdom as smelting workshops, where several furnaces, copper slag, and ingots — one weighing over 1 kg — were discovered, along with tuyère fragments in multiple sizes.

A Central Smelting Complex

Dr. Hesham Hussein, Head of the Central Administration for Delta Antiquities and director of the mission, reported that cleaning and study also extended to a third structure located on the southern edge of Wadi Suwr, likely a control point or observation post for ancient Egyptian mining expeditions, possibly predating the New Kingdom.

The team also revealed part of a vast central workshop containing various types of copper smelting furnaces, ore preparation tools, ceramic crucibles, Egyptian amphorae and vessels, large quantities of charcoal prepared from local trees, and refined clay blocks used to make tuyères.

Looking Ahead

The Egyptian mission continues its work at Wadi Nasb, aiming to uncover more details that will document Sinai’s vital strategic role throughout ancient Egyptian history and shed further light on its importance as one of Egypt’s major metallurgical and mining centers.

Tutankhamun Gallery to Close as Final Artifacts Move to GEMAs part of the final preparations for the long-awaited openin...
12/09/2025

Tutankhamun Gallery to Close as Final Artifacts Move to GEM

As part of the final preparations for the long-awaited opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) on 1 November 2025, the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir has announced the closure of the Tutankhamun Gallery starting 20 October 2025. This closure will allow the completion of packing and transporting the last remaining artifacts of the Golden Pharaoh to the GEM, where, for the first time in history, the entire collection of over 5,000 objects will be displayed together in a single, purpose-built suite of galleries.

Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, confirmed that the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir will remain open to the public during its regular visiting hours, with the closure affecting only the Tutankhamun Gallery. He explained that the temporary shutdown is necessary to safely carry out the final conservation, packing, and logistics required to transfer the objects.

Dr. Khaled described the unified display of Tutankhamun’s collection at GEM as a milestone event in the history of archaeology and museology worldwide. “For the first time, visitors from Egypt and around the globe will encounter the entire funerary assemblage of the Boy King presented in a comprehensive, contextualized display that reveals the richness and diversity of his burial equipment,” he stated.

It is also noteworthy that the Grand Egyptian Museum itself will close its doors to all visitors starting 15 October 2025 to implement final logistical and organizational measures ahead of the inaugural ceremonies. Public visitation will begin on 4 November 2025, coinciding with the 103rd anniversary of the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb (KV62) by Howard Carter in the Valley of the Kings.

Egypt Unearths Its ‘New Rosetta Stone’Complete Canopus Decree Stela Discovered in SharqiyaThe Egyptian archaeological mi...
09/09/2025

Egypt Unearths Its ‘New Rosetta Stone’

Complete Canopus Decree Stela Discovered in Sharqiya

The Egyptian archaeological mission of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, working at Tell el-Far‘un in the city of Husseiniya, Sharqiya Governorate, has uncovered a sandstone stela bearing a new and complete copy of the famous Canopus Decree, first issued by King Ptolemy III in 238 BC.

The decree was originally proclaimed when the high priests gathered in the city of Canopus, east of Alexandria, to venerate King Ptolemy III, his wife Queen Berenike II, and their daughter, and to distribute the text across Egypt’s major temples.

While other copies—both full and fragmentary—of the Canopus Decree have been found as recently as 2004, this is the first complete, hieroglyph-only version discovered in more than 150 years, making it one of the most significant finds relating to the Ptolemaic period.

National and Scientific Significance

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Mr. Sherif Fathy, emphasized that the continuous achievements of Egyptian archaeological teams are “adding new pages to the history of our ancient civilization.” He stressed that this discovery highlights the archaeological importance of Sharqiya Governorate, whose hidden treasures continue to astonish the world. The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to fully supporting all missions working in Egypt, ensuring the best environment for future groundbreaking discoveries.

Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained that the significance of this discovery lies in the fact that it is a new, complete copy of the Canopus Decree, found after more than a century without such a discovery. This, he noted, represents a qualitative addition to our knowledge of Ptolemaic royal and religious texts, enriching our understanding of Egyptian history and language in this period.

He added that this new stela joins six previously known copies—some complete, others fragmentary—discovered in sites such as Kom el-Hisn, San el-Hagar, and Tell Basta. Unlike the well-known trilingual versions of the decree (hieroglyphic, Demotic, and Greek), the newly discovered stela is inscribed entirely in hieroglyphs, opening new horizons for the study of ancient Egyptian language and providing further insight into the content of Ptolemaic decrees and royal-religious ceremonies.

Description of the Stela

Mr. Mohamed Abdel-Badie, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, described the stela as being crafted in sandstone with a rounded top, measuring 127.5 cm in height, 83 cm in width, and approximately 48 cm in thickness. At its summit is a depiction of the winged solar disk, from which descend two royal uraei wearing the White and Red Crowns of Upper and Lower Egypt. Between them is the hieroglyph “di-ankh” (𓋹), meaning “He who is given life.”

The central field of the stela contains 30 lines of hieroglyphic text, executed in moderately fine relief.

Contents of the Text

Dr. Hesham Hussein, Head of the Central Administration for Lower Egypt, explained that the inscribed text preserves detailed accounts of the acts of King Ptolemy III and Queen Berenike II, revered as the “Beneficent Gods.” Among the royal measures recorded are:
• Donations of offerings to Egyptian temples.
• Maintaining internal peace across the Two Lands.
• Tax remissions during years of low Nile inundation.
• Elevating their veneration in the temples and establishing a new priestly rank in their honor.
• Instituting a new religious festival on the heliacal rising of the star Sirius (Sopdet).
• Introducing the system of adding a day every four years—the leap year rule—dedicated to the worship of the Beneficent Gods.
• The deification of their daughter Berenike within Egyptian temples.

The decree also stipulated that copies of the text be inscribed in hieroglyphs, Demotic, and Greek, and displayed in Egypt’s principal temples.

Historical Context of the Site

Tell el-Far‘un, identified with the ancient Egyptian city of Imet in the eastern Nile Delta, was an important urban center from the Middle Kingdom onward. Previous excavations at the site have revealed Ptolemaic-period temples and large residential complexes, including a sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Wadjet.

07/09/2025

Lunar eclipse (Blood Moon phase) Live from Amenhotep III l’s temple of millions of years on the West Bank, in Luxor, Egypt

07/09/2025

Live from the Northern Gate of Amenhotep III l’s temple of millions of years on the West Bank in Luxor.

28/08/2025

Live at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir.

27/08/2025

Live from the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir.
What’s left of King Tut’s objects at the museum after moving most of his antiquities to the Grand Egyptian Museum for the Grand Opening on November 1st.

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Learning from History for a Better Future

Luxor Times magazine is all aِِbout Egypt, the land of civilisation that still fascinates that world. Through the pages of Luxor Times, we bring Egyptian history and culture to your fingertips. You will discover ancient, Islamic, Coptic and modern Egyptian history - all in one place!

Luxor Times passionately breathes life into the stories of the past from the Egyptian perspective. The magazine carries the spirit of Egypt as it is published from Egypt by an Egyptian company.

Moreover, not only will you uncover the latest about Egyptology and archaeology in Egypt, but you will dig into near past archives that tell the story of history from the Egyptian side, which is unlike any other medium.

Luxor Times is a fun and educational source for anyone interested in Egypt and also scholars who share their work and ideas with the world. Also, could you not be there for an event or a new discovery? We bring it to you with as many photos and even videos, creating an exclusive and exceptional experience for our worldwide readers and subscribers.