Image Credit: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

225 Ushabtis Found in Tanis Royal Tomb

A French-Egyptian archaeological team has uncovered 225 royal ushabti figurines inside the northern chamber of King Osorkon II’s tomb at Tanis, in Egypt’s Nile Delta. The mission is led by Frédéric Payraudeau of Sorbonne University.
The figurines were found in exceptional condition, buried within layers of silt near an undecorated granite sarcophagus whose owner had long puzzled scholars. New evidence now strongly points to King Shoshenq III, one of the most prominent rulers of the 22nd Dynasty, known for his extensive building works in Tanis.
Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, called the find a “landmark moment,” noting that nothing of similar importance has been uncovered at Tanis since the mid-20th century. Identifying the sarcophagus’ owner, he said, may clarify burial practices of the Third Intermediate Period, including whether Shoshenq III was originally buried in Osorkon II’s tomb or later moved there for protection.
The mission also found previously unknown inscriptions inside the same chamber. According to Mohamed Abdel-Badie, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, these texts will refine understanding of how royal tombs were reused and altered over time.
Hesham Hussein, head of the Central Department of Lower Egypt Antiquities, explained that the discovery is part of an ongoing conservation program. The French mission — active at Tanis since 1929 — is cooperating with the Supreme Council of Antiquities to install new protective shelters and carry out desalination and architectural cleaning.
Dr. Payraudeau said the next stage will focus on studying the inscriptions and continuing the cleaning of the chamber, which may yet reveal further evidence about Shoshenq III’s burial.
The discovery reinforces Tanis’ standing as one of Egypt’s richest royal sites, still holding many secrets beneath its sands.

Published on: 21-11-2025

Source: Ahram Online