In Photos: Tomb of Royal Woman Found in Ancient Egypt

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Royal woman

Archaeologists discovered the tomb of a royal official named Hetpet on the Giza Plateau. The tomb dates back more than 4,300 years.

(Image credit: Egypt Antiquities Ministry)

Tomb paintings

The tomb contains well preserved wall paintings, including this image showing fish and other goods being presented to Hetpet, who is shown seated at the far left.

(Image credit: Egypt Antiquities Ministry)

The tomb contains well preserved wall paintings, including this image showing fish and other goods being presented to Hetpet, who is shown seated at the far left.

Baby monkey?

This painting from Hetpet's tomb shows a monkey reaping fruit. There appears to be a baby monkey holding onto its back.

(Image credit: Egypt Antiquities Ministry)

This painting from Hetpet's tomb shows a monkey reaping fruit. There appears to be a baby monkey holding onto its back.

Dancing monkey?

An orchestra is seen playing in this painting. A variety of wind and string instruments are used by the different musicians. Archaeologists say that there is a monkey (not seen) dancing in front of this orchestra.

(Image credit: Egypt Antiquities Ministry)

An orchestra is seen playing in this painting. A variety of wind and string instruments are used by the different musicians. Archaeologists say that there is a monkey (not seen) dancing in front of this orchestra.

Slaughtering a cow

In this painting from Hetpet's tomb, three men appear to be in the process of slaughtering a cow.

(Image credit: Egypt Antiquities Ministry)

In this painting from Hetpet's tomb, three men appear to be in the process of slaughtering a cow. One of the cow's legs is about to be cut off.

Coralling cattle

In this tomb scene, men can be seen herding or corralling cattle and people are carrying a variety of goods.

(Image credit: Egypt Antiquities Ministry)

In this tomb scene, men can be seen herding or corralling cattle and people are carrying a variety of goods.

Offerings for Hetpet

Three men are seen carrying what appear to be birds. They may be offerings for Hetpet.

(Image credit: Egypt Antiquities Ministry)

Three men are seen carrying what appear to be birds. They may be offerings for Hetpet. The tomb was discovered recently by an Egyptian archaeological mission led by Mostafa Waziri, Secretary-General of the ministry's Supreme Council of Antiquities.

Owen Jarus
Owen Jarus
Live Science Contributor

Owen Jarus is a regular contributor to Live Science who writes about archaeology and humans' past. He has also written for The Independent (UK), The Canadian Press (CP) and The Associated Press (AP), among others. Owen has a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Toronto and a journalism degree from Ryerson University.