Mummies Found in Minya, Egypt
Stone sarcophagi from the ancient Egyptian capital hold the remains of high priests
A stone sarcophagus unearthed in the Minya burial ground. Photo: Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities and Tourism
Archaeologists have discovered 20 well-preserved limestone sarcophagi 170 miles south of Cairo, in Minya, the ancient capital of Egypt. They contain mummified remains of high priests and others who were probably their assistants. Additionally, the burial site finds include 10,000 ushabti funerary statues, inscribed with the owners’ names, and more than 700 amulets. Some of the statues and some of the amulets are made of pure gold.
An ancient mummy was found undisturbed since its burial. Photo: Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities and Tourism
The find was announced by Egypt’s Minister of Antiquities and Tourism Khaled El-Anany on January 30th, at the Tuna El-Gabal site. The lead excavator of the mission is Moustafa Waziry. The burial ground is from Egypt’s Late Period (688-323 B.C.E.), when Egypt was periodically dominated by other powers, including Nubians, Assyrians, and Persians.
Waziry announced that one of the sarcophagi was that of the son of
Skulls found in the Minya burial ground. Photo: Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities and Tourism
Psamtik, head of the royal treasury, titled priest of Osiris and Nut. Several other sarcophagi have well-preserved inscriptions and depictions of Egyptian gods. Coverage of the discovery can be read at the Daily News of Egypt.
Related reading in Bible History Daily:
Drought Brought End to Egypt’s Old Kingdom Researchers at St. Andrews University in Scotland have found evidence that a massive drought, similar to the one currently gripping parts of Africa, could have brought about the demise of the Egyptian Old Kingdom.
Ancient Animal Mummies Found in Egypt An excavation of the Saqqara Necropolis by the Egyptian antiquities authority has yielded a large collection of artifacts: animal mummies, wood and bronze statues of Egyptian gods, and much more. The highlight of the press conference was the announcement of the discovery of five lion cub mummies.
Ancient Senate Building Found in North Sinai A 2,500 square meter building of brick and limestone was partially uncovered at the ongoing excavations of Tel Farma, ancient Pelusium.
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