Ancient Egyptian tomb of temple guard Amenhotep discovered in Luxor [Photos]

An ancient Egyptian tomb belonging to a man who served as temple guard to the deity Amun has been discovered in Luxor.

The tomb of Amenhotep dates to the New Kingdom's 18<sup>th Dynasty – between 1543 and 1292 BCE – and contains colourful scenes painted on plaster.

The discovery was announced by Egypt's Antiquities Ministry, which said in a statement: "A new tomb belonging to 'Amenhotep' who is also called Rebiu, the door-keeper of god Amun has been discovered by the American Research Centre's Mission with an Egyptian team of inspectors working at the area."

Explaining the layout, the ministry said: "The tomb is T shaped and consists of a Transverse Hall 5.10m in length and 1.5m wide that leads to another chamber that is 2.5m long and 2.1 wide.

"There is a small unfinished niche at the eastern end. There is also an entrance in the south that leads to a small side room which is 2m by 2m. In the middle of this room there is a shaft that may lead to the burial chamber.

Inside the tomb, there were also "many stunning scenes" with bright colours painted on the plaster. Most scenes represented Amenhotep and his wife in front of an offering table. There is also an image of a goddess nursing a royal child and scenes of daily life.

Sultan Eid, general director of the Upper Egypt region, added the tomb had been "deliberately damaged" in ancient times. "The name and titles of the tomb owner, some hieroglyphic texts and scenes in addition to the names of the god Amun were deliberately erased," he said.

The discovery was made in the courtyard of the Tomb of Djehuty (TT110), a general under the ancient Egyptian king Thutmose III. Further excavations will tell if they shared the same courtyard.