Two Early Dynastic Tombs Exposed at Gabal El-Teir, Upper Egypt

Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced on June 23, 2026, the discovery of two tombs dating to the Early Dynastic Period (c. 3100–2686 BCE) at Gabal El-Teir in Minya Governorate, Upper Egypt. Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities said the finds will help researchers trace the evolution of funerary architecture in the earliest phase of pharaonic history. The first tomb has thick walls at its base that taper toward the top — a design the excavation team believes may represent an early conceptual stage in the development of the pyramid form. The second tomb, found largely intact, shares similar architectural characteristics. The Supreme Council of Antiquities said further study of the tombs' construction techniques and any surviving grave goods is ongoing.