Calamos Supports Greece
GreekReporter.comGreek NewsArchaeologyAncient Workshops and Tombs Unearthed in Saqqara, Egypt

Ancient Workshops and Tombs Unearthed in Saqqara, Egypt

Ancient Workshops and Tombs Unearthed in Saqqara
Saturday, May 27th, 2023, The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities reported that ancient workshops and tombs were unearthed in Saqqara necropolis. Credit: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

Ancient mummification workshops and tombs have been discovered by archaeologists in Egypt’s Saqqara necropolis, located south of Cairo, according to the government.

Mostafa Waziri, the head of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, revealed that these workshops, where people and sacred animals were mummified, date back to the 30th Pharaonic dynasty, approximately 2,400 years ago, Al Jazeera reported.

The researchers came across stony beds used for the process of mummification. They also unearthed clay pots specifically designed to hold organs and other vessels utilized in sacred rituals, Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said.

The beds discovered in the ancient workshops had special gutters at the end to make the mummification process easier. Nearby, a group of clay pots was found to contain entrails and organs, along with various instruments and ritual vessels.

Preliminary investigations of one workshop indicate that it was primarily used for the mummification of sacred animals, according to Al Jazeera.

Discovery of tombs dating back to the 24th and 14th centuries BC

During the excavations, two tombs belonging to priests were also discovered, with their origins tracing back to the 24th and 14th centuries BC.

The first tomb, attributed to Ne Hesut Ba from the fifth dynasty of the Old Kingdom, showcased intricate artwork on its walls. Depictions of hunting and various everyday activities adorned the tomb.

This person had various prestigious titles, including Chief of Ten in the southern region, Director of Scribes, Priest of the gods Horus and Maat, and the person responsible for legally overseeing the digging of canals and waterways, according to the Ministry.

In the second tomb, which belonged to Men Kheber from the 18th dynasty of the late kingdom, officials noted that the walls were adorned with scenes portraying the deceased in different positions.

Additionally, Men Kheber held the esteemed title of Priest of the goddess Kadesh. Kadesh was a foreign deity of Canaanite origin, hailing from the Syrian region. During the 18th Dynasty, Kadesh was worshiped in Egypt.

Moreover, the goddess was associated with fertility and held divine authority over the celestial stars, captivating worshippers with her great charm.

Physical appearance of recently-discovered tombs

Dr. Muhammad Youssef, the director of the site, described the tomb of “Ne Hesut Ba” as a rectangular mastaba. The entrance to the burial chamber is located in the southeastern corner of the mastaba.

The front facade of the tomb features hieroglyphic inscriptions that bear the name and titles of the tomb’s owner and his wife.

Upon entering, one encounters a transverse hall adorned with various scenes depicting daily life, forests, agriculture, and fishing, as explained by Dr. Youssef.

Regarding the layout of the “Men Kheber” cemetery, Professor Muhammad Al-Saidi, the mission director, explained that it consists mostly of rock-cut tombs along the rocky edge, with some parts constructed using limestone.

The tomb includes a square-shaped hall with walls that still bear remnants of painted plaster. These paintings depict the tomb’s owner and his wife seated in front of an offering table.

See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!



Related Posts