Welcome to Ancient Architects! Today, we have thrilling news from Egypt that you won’t want to miss. Archaeologists have made a remarkable discovery: the tomb of an ancient Egyptian High Priest that has remained untouched for 4,400 years! This find is not just exciting; it’s breathtaking.
Key Points
A Stunning Discovery in Saqqara
The tomb was found in the Saqqara pyramid complex, located near Cairo. Inside, archaeologists uncovered vibrant hieroglyphs and 55 statues. The decorative scenes depict the tomb’s owner, a royal priest, alongside his mother, wife, and other family members. Mustafa Waziri, the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities in Egypt, described this find as “one of a kind” in the last decade.
Who Was This High Priest?
The high priest, referred to as the divine inspector, served Pharaoh Neferirkare. Neferirkare ruled from 2446 to 2438 BC and was the third king of Egypt’s Fifth Dynasty. He is known for constructing a sun temple and a pyramid located about 1.9 miles north of Saqqara. However, this pyramid was never completed.
Exploring the Tomb’s Layout
The tomb itself is fascinating, consisting of two levels. The upper level features 24 statues, while the lower level contains 31 statues. These statues represent prominent individuals and gods, with some being life-sized and others standing about 3 feet (1 meter) tall.
The hieroglyphs found in the tomb frequently mention the priest’s mother, Meritamen, whose name means “the lover of the god.” His wife, Ninwinnet, is named after Ptah, the creator god associated with the ancient Egyptian capital, Memphis.
Preserved Paintings and Daily Life
Despite being sealed for nearly 4,500 years, the tomb still holds numerous paintings with vibrant colors intact. These artworks depict scenes of daily life in ancient Egypt, showcasing people engaged in activities like drinking, cooking, and building.
A Year of Incredible Discoveries
If you’ve been following the Ancient Architects channel, you know that 2018 has been a fantastic year for new findings in ancient Egypt. Some notable discoveries include:
- A tomb complex with over 100 cat statues.
- A mummy adorned with a silver face mask gilded in gold.
- A sealed sarcophagus found in Alexandria.
These discoveries are often released to the public in a controlled manner to boost tourism in Egypt, which has seen a decline over the past seven years.
The Significance of This Tomb
This newly discovered tomb is significant not only because of its age but also due to its stunning appearance and intricate decorations. The presence of five unopened shafts beneath the main tomb adds to the excitement. These shafts show no signs of forced entry or grave robbers, leaving the possibility of hidden treasures waiting to be uncovered.
What Lies Beneath?
As archaeologists prepare to excavate the tomb further, they are eager to see what else may be hidden below. The anticipation of discovering more artifacts and insights into ancient Egyptian life is thrilling.
Conclusion
This untouched tomb is a remarkable find that sheds light on ancient Egyptian history. The vibrant hieroglyphs, statues, and preserved paintings offer a glimpse into the past, revealing the lives of those who lived thousands of years ago.
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