Archaeologists Make Amazing Hidden Find Within Egyptian Pharaoh’s Tomb

Archaeologists working in Egypt have unearthed a previously undiscovered school in the grand mortuary temple of Pharaoh Ramesses II, dubbed the Ramesseum, on the West Bank of Luxor in the Theban Necropolis. The “Per Ankh,” or House of Life, was likely attended by aristocratic children of high social standing where they were taught business and governmental skills.

Researchers have long speculated about the school’s presence within the Ramesseum, but hard evidence has been elusive until now. During the excavation, scientists recovered ancient sketches from students as well as pieces of educational toys and tools.

The discoveries indicate that the Ramesseum filled several functions besides a school. A set of buildings believed to be administrative offices was also discovered, as was a reception hall and throne room where the king likely greeted visitors. These units were likely home to officials who were charged with overseeing the school and temple’s day-to-day functions. Cellars, including a wine room, were found to be storage areas for things like honey and animal fat.

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Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, told Ancient Origins that the new discoveries are challenging what scientists thought they knew about the daily lives of ancient Egyptians. Based upon the artifacts found at the scene, he posits that the temple was both a place of worship and a community center which both trained and later employed a “hierarchy of civil servants.”

The excavation, a joint work between Egyptian and French archaeologists, has been ongoing since 1991. In recent years, significant restoration work has been completed on the royal palace adjacent to the Ramesseum. Archaeologists are currently working on restoring the artifacts found during the most recent dig.