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archaeology

Discovery of a 26th-Dynasty 'Master of the Royal Palaces' Tomb in Saqqara with Rare Architectural Reliefs

📅 April 12, 2026 📰 Cairo Heritage Times
Discovery of a 26th-Dynasty 'Master of the Royal Palaces' Tomb in Saqqara with Rare Architectural Reliefs

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has announced the discovery of a pristine tomb belonging to a high-ranking official named Horemheb-Nefer, who held the title of 'Master of the Royal Palaces' during the 26th Dynasty. Located in the Saqqara Necropolis, the tomb features exceptionally well-preserved polychrome reliefs depicting the construction of royal residences and the layout of ancient palace gardens. These scenes offer a rare glimpse into the architectural aesthetics and engineering practices of the Saite Period.

Inside the burial chamber, archaeologists found a massive basalt sarcophagus surrounded by a collection of ceremonial measuring rods and architectural papyri written in Hieratic script. The texts appear to be maintenance logs and structural blueprints for a long-lost palace complex in Memphis. This find is significant as it provides the first physical evidence of architectural pedagogy and royal estate management during the Late Period of ancient Egypt.

Original source: Cairo Heritage Times