April 2010 Egyptian Archeology Highlights

The discovery of 14 tombs dating back to the 3rd century BC have Egyptian archaeologists quite pleased, as one of them reveals the remains of a female mummy embellished with a great deal of jewelry. The Greco-Roman tombs were found in Bahariya Oasis, which is about 200 miles away from Cairo. In this article, you will learn more about the discovery, as well as another headline regarding Egypt that hit the papers in April 2010.

Egypt Reveals Greco-Roman Mummy

In the future, perhaps this site will become a youth center (as planned), but for now, archeologists are investigating the location for additional tombs and artifacts. According to the Culture Ministry in Egypt, some believe that the current findings indicate that the site could be part of a much larger necropolis.

The female mummy discovered in the tombs measured 38 inches and was located in the interior of the tombs. Her final resting place was comprised of colored plaster and was inlaid with jewelry and eyes. The tombs also housed other treasures, which have now been turned over to the antiquities authorities of Egypt.

The chief archeologist in Egypt stated that a preliminary exploration of the site has uncovered four anthropoid masks made of plaster, a gold fragment decorated with engravings of the four sons of Horus, and a collection of coins. Clay and glass vessels are also amongst some of the findings. The significance of the four sons of Horus (Imsety, Duamutef, Hapi and Qebehsenuef) shows a link to the ancient Egyptian gods, as they played a role in Egyptian religion that lasted into the Greco-Roman period. The gods were also thought to protect the stomach, liver, intestines and lungs of mummified bodies.

If Bahariya Oasis sounds a bit familiar to you, it’s probably because it is also home to Egypt’s famed Valley of the Golden Mummies. It was here that in 1996, seventeen tombs with about 254 mummies were found.

The Tomb of an Ancient Scribe

More details have been revealed in April regarding the tomb that held an ancient Egyptian royal scribe, who was found Tell el-Maskhuta , a location east of Cairo. The tomb was also on a site that contained a garrison, which gave supplies to and equipped the Egyptian army with weapons. The army would then engage in battle with other regions located east of the city.

By exploring the details of the tomb, archeologists hope to shed light on the relationship between Egypt and its eastern neighbors, as the final resting place was rather elaborate for an ancient royal scribe. The highly decorated tomb belonged to Ken-Amun, who was responsible for overseeing the royal records during the 19th Dynasty (1315 to 1201 BC).

Continue with April 2010 Egyptian Archeology Highlights