Spectacular Discovery: 1,000+ Decorated Blocks Unearthed Near Queen Hatshepsut's Temple in Egypt

The find, announced by renowned archaeologist Zahi Hawass, also includes the nearby tomb of Queen Teti Sheri, grandmother of Egypt's first New Kingdom pharaoh, Ahmose I.

"This is the first time that we discovered, 1,500 decorated blocks, the most beautiful scenes I've ever seen in my life with the color," Hawass described the blocks.

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Archaeologists examine discovered and reassembled pottery fragments in an intact section of the foundations of Queen Hatshepsut's temple at Deir el-Bahari on January 8, 2025, in Luxor, Egypt. The country's antiquities authorities announced a series of archaeological discoveries from a research mission conducted starting in September 2022, including the discovery of the remains of Queen Hatshepsut's Valley Temple. (Photo by Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty Images)

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Dynasty Newly Discovered Artifacts (1580-1550 BC) on January 8, 2025, in Luxor, Egypt. The country's antiquities authorities announced a series of archaeological discoveries from a research mission conducted starting in September 2022, including the discovery of the remains of Queen Hatshepsut's Valley Temple. (Photo by Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty Images)

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Artifacts discovered by Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass and his team at the temple of Queen Hatshepsut, who ruled during the 18th dynasty of Ancient Egypt, are introduced to the press in Luxor, Egypt on January 08, 2025. The discoveries include pottery, stone steles, and several coffins from that era, showcasing Egypt's rich historical heritage. (Photo by Mohamed Elshahed/Anadolu via Getty Images)

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Artifacts discovered by Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass and his team at the temple of Queen Hatshepsut, who ruled during the 18th dynasty of Ancient Egypt, are introduced to the press in Luxor, Egypt, on January 08, 2025. The discoveries include pottery, stone steles, and several coffins from that era, showcasing Egypt's rich historical heritage.

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Artifacts discovered by a research mission on January 8, 2025, in Luxor, Egypt. The country's antiquities authorities announced a series of archaeological discoveries from a research mission conducted starting in September 2022, including the discovery of the remains of Queen Hatshepsut's Valley Temple.

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Archaeologists work to restore pottery shards and artifacts unearthed at Queen Hatshepsut's temple in Luxor, Egypt, on January 08, 2025. The discoveries, dating back to Ancient Egypt's 18th dynasty, provide valuable insights into the daily life and culture of the era.

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Artifacts discovered by Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass and his team at the temple of Queen Hatshepsut, who ruled during the 18th dynasty of Ancient Egypt, are introduced to the press in Luxor, Egypt, on January 08, 2025. The discoveries include pottery, stone steles, and several coffins from that era, showcasing Egypt's rich historical heritage.

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Archaeologists work to restore pottery shards and artifacts unearthed at Queen Hatshepsut's temple in Luxor, Egypt, on January 08, 2025. The discoveries, dating back to Ancient Egypt's 18th dynasty, provide valuable insights into the daily life and culture of the era.

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Archaeologists work to restore pottery shards and artifacts unearthed at Queen Hatshepsut's temple in Luxor, Egypt, on January 08, 2025. The discoveries, dating back to Ancient Egypt's 18th dynasty, provide valuable insights into the daily life and culture of the era.

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Renowned Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass speaks during a press conference at Queen Hatshepsut's temple in Luxor, Egypt, on January 08, 2025. Hawass announced significant archaeological findings, including artifacts and coffins from Ancient Egypt's 18th dynasty, shedding light on the historical legacy of the era.

The discovery of a limestone tablet bearing the name of Senmut, Hatshepsut's architect, further confirms the importance of the site.

Queen Teti Sheri's modest rock-cut tomb, with its red wall paintings, provides another crucial piece of the historical puzzle, offering a glimpse into a period just before Hatshepsut's reign.