Archaeologists have made a significant discovery in Egypt, uncovering two massive workshops that were used for mummifying both human and animal corpses in ancient times, reported first by CNN.
The discovery took place in Saqqara, a sprawling necropolis located south of Cairo. Mostafa Waziri, the secretary-general of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, shared the exciting news with journalists in Giza over the weekend.
Newly discovered small mummified animals are displayed among other objects at the Saqqara necropolis where archaeologists unearthed two human and animal embalming workshops as well as two tombs, south of Cairo on May 27, 2023.
Massive Workshops
Waziri described the workshops as the largest ever found for mummification purposes. One of the workshops, dating back to the 30th Dynasty (380-343 BC), was used for mummifying humans. It contained stone beds, measuring 2 meters long and 50 centimeters wide, on which the bodies were washed and prepared for the mummification process.
The archaeologists found tools used by ancient Egyptians to dissect bodies and remove internal organs, as well as canopic jars that were used to preserve these organs.
The second workshop, believed to be from the Ptolemaic period (305-30 BC), contained five distinct stone beds, suggesting it was used for the mummification of sacred animals.
Alongside the beds, archaeologists discovered clay pots and animal burials, providing further insights into the ancient embalming practices.
In addition to the workshops, the archaeologists came across two remarkable tombs in the necropolis. One of them belonged to Ne Hesut Ba, a top official from the fifth dynasty, approximately 4,400 years ago.
Ne Hesut Ba was a high priest for the Goddess Maat and played a crucial role in overseeing the construction of irrigation canals. The tomb is considered significant and represents an important historical find.
Among the remarkable findings in Saqqara, one notable discovery is the second tomb, estimated to be around 3,400 years old, which belonged to a Qadish priest named Men Kheber Ra.
These tombs contribute to the already extensive collection of archaeological treasures unearthed in Saqqara, showcasing their profound historical and cultural importance.
Read Also: Archaeologists Find 3,200-Year-Old Tomb in Egypt With Elaborate Wall Reliefs
Saqqara's Archaeological Importance
Saqqara holds significant archaeological importance in Egypt due to its rich historical and cultural heritage. This ancient necropolis, located south of Cairo, served as a burial ground for over 3,000 years, spanning multiple dynasties.
Its vast collection of tombs, pyramids, and funerary complexes provides valuable insights into the rituals, beliefs, and social structures of ancient Egyptian civilization.
The Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Ahmed Issa, highlighted the importance of Saqqara in the country's efforts to boost tourism and strengthen the economy. The government has ambitious plans to develop Saqqara as a tourism hub and aims to increase tourism to Egypt by 25% to 30% in 2023.
The recent findings in Saqqara continue to shed light on the fascinating ancient Egyptian civilization and its intricate burial practices.
The mummification workshops provide invaluable insights into the meticulous processes and techniques employed by ancient Egyptians to preserve the bodies of both humans and sacred animals.
As archaeologists continue to explore and excavate the site, it is likely that more intriguing discoveries will come to light, further enriching our understanding of this era in history.
Related Article: Archaeologists Unearth Grisly Pit Containing Severed Hands at Ancient Egyptian Site
