A new phase of excavation at the 'Rise of Aten' site near Luxor has revealed a residential and industrial quarter dedicated to the production of high-end ritual objects. This city, founded by Amenhotep III and continued by Tutankhamun, is considered the largest ancient Egyptian administrative settlement ever found. The new findings include intact bakeries and workshops with specialized tools for jewelry making.
The site has been preserved in an extraordinary state, often called the 'Pompeii of Ancient Egypt.' Among the most significant finds are mud bricks bearing the seals of Amenhotep III's cartouche and evidence of a massive irrigation project that supported the city's gardens, reflecting a peak in Egyptian urban planning.