RELICS OF THEBAN EMPIRE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 2 December 1922, Page 2

RELICS OF THEBAN EMPIRE

LM PORTANT -HISTORICAL DIS-

COVERY

(By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.; (Published in The Times) % LONDON, Noy. 30. Details have been received of an important historical discovery in the Vallby of the Kings, the site of the ancient Thebes, on the west bank of the Nile, near Luxor, where excavations have been proceeding for 1G years. The discovery consists of the royal necropolis of the Theban Empire. It is situated directly below the tomb of Raineses the Sixth. The seals of the tomb were found intact. The tomb contained three magnificent State couches, an exquisitely carved bed, beautifully inlaid with ivory and precious stones. Innumerable boxes of wonderful workmanship bore gilt inscriptions and some had painted on them hunting scehes. They contained royal robes, handsomely embroidered with precious stones and golden sandals.

Tatau Khumen’s State throne has been discovered, and is regarded as one of the most wonderful • objects ever found. Another chamber contained many other beautiful articles of furniture and decorative art. Mist of the treasures are fairly well preserved. but others are in a precarious state. It is hoped that careful handling will preserve nearly all. Thar? is no doubt that the collection is part of Tutan Khumen’s funeral paraphernalia removed from the original tombs to escape the depredations of thieves. The seals and other precautions suggest that the, inspectors of Raineses the Ninth entered and reclosed the chambers after attacks by robbers. The discoveries ivill enormously incioaso the knowledge of ancient Egypt. There is still a third chamber to explore, and in there may be found Tutan Khumen’s , actual tomb, Amongst , other remains found are vast quantities of provisions, includ'ing trussed ducks, and haunches of venison, all packed in boxes, wreaths still looking evergreen, as well as papyrus records which are expected to yield a mass of information. Amongst the valuables is a- heavily gilt chair with portraits of the King and Queen, the whole encrusted with turquoises and cornelian lapis, two life-sized bitiiminised statues of the King, workoil in gold and holding a golden stick and a mace. x His handsome features are delicately carved, the hands are of glass and the headdress is richly studded with gems. There were also found four chariots with their sides studded with semi-precious stones.