Lost Royal City of Amenhotep III Unearthed in Egypt Author: Bryan Windle Created: 12 April 2021
Archaeologists in Egypt have unearthed the lost city of So’oud Atun (Ascension of Atun or Rise of Aten) just south of Luxor. The city was founded by Amenhotep III, who reigned in the 14th century BC, as evidenced by the presence of his cartouche all around the city – on wine vessels, rings, scarabs, pottery, and on mudbricks. Historical documents testify that this city was the location of Amenhotep III’s three royal palaces, as well as his administrative center. The team that made the discovery was actually searching for Tutankhamun’s mortuary temple, which they believed to be in the area, when they began unearthing the remains of an entire city. Complete streets lined with houses, some with walls up to 10 feet (3 meters) high, have been discovered filled with everyday items. Several sections of the city have been excavated over the pa
“So’oud Atun,” or the Rise of Aten, is the largest ancient city unearthed in Egypt to date (Credit: Zahi Hawass Center for Egyptology and High Council of Antiquities)
When famed archeologist and former minister of antiquities, Zahi Hawass, and his team set out to excavate an area near the Egyptian city of Luxor in September 2020, all they were hoping to find was King Tutankhamun s mortuary temple. Instead, the archeologists stumbled upon the largest ancient city ever found in Egypt. Hawass, who revealed the discovery on April 8, 2021, believes the enormous, well-preserved metropolis is the “So’oud Atun,” or the Rise of Aten, whose location has eluded scientists for decades.