A joint Egyptian-American mission has unearthed a remarkably well-preserved drafting office belonging to a high-ranking official during the 12th Dynasty. Located near the pyramid complex of Amenemhat I in Lisht, the room served as the administrative hub for the Overseer of the Royal Scribes. Excavators recovered dozens of wooden palettes still containing dried cakes of red and black pigment, along with several bundles of unused papyrus scrolls.
What sets this discovery apart is the presence of architectural practice sketches on limestone ostraca, showing the evolution of tomb wall designs before their final execution. Dr. Zahi Hawass remarked that the find offers an "intimate look at the bureaucratic machinery of the Middle Kingdom," revealing the meticulous training required for imperial record-keepers. The team also found a rare set of bronze ink-wells still sealed with wax, preserving the chemical composition of ancient inks.