3,600-year-old royal tomb found at Abydos by Penn Museum

Archaeologists working in the ancient Anubis necropolis at Abydos, Egypt, have uncovered a large underground burial chamber about seven metres deep, Super Rádio Tupi reports, citing a Penn Today publication by the Penn Museum and the University of Pennsylvania. tupi.fm The structure is built of mud brick and limestone. Judging by its size and architectural planning, it was meant to hold the remains of a royal figure. tupi.fm The tomb is dated to about 3,600 years ago.

The main chamber has mud-brick vaults almost five metres high. The complex includes several interconnected inner rooms. tupi.fm The researchers read this as evidence of the ruler's high standing and of the importance of the burial site in the sacred city of Abydos. tupi.fm

Paintings of Isis and Nephthys

Despite damage from ancient looting, Penn Museum archaeologists found decoration on the inner surfaces of the structure. During cleaning they identified two paintings of the goddesses Isis and Nephthys. tupi.fm The goddesses are shown in the traditional mourning ritual, which symbolises the spiritual protection of the deceased. tupi.fm Remains of painted plaster with ritual motifs were also recorded.

The original hieroglyphic inscriptions were severely damaged by looters in antiquity, so the name carved on the limestone walls cannot be read directly. tupi.fm

Who was buried here

The team led by Egyptologist Josef Wegner suggests that the tomb may belong to the kings Senaiib or Paentjeni. They do not rule out that it housed a monarch entirely unknown from the Abydos Dynasty. tupi.fm

This line of rulers governed during the Second Intermediate Period of Egyptian history. It was a time of political fragmentation, when local rulers competed for power while the Hyksos controlled the north of the country. tupi.fm

Fieldwork by the international team continues around Mount Anubis. The aim is to find further royal tombs that would help fill gaps in knowledge about the rulers of the period. tupi.fm Conservation of the structures already uncovered is described as a priority for the project. tupi.fm

Penn Museum team finds 3,600-year-old royal tomb of an unknown ruler at Abydos, 7 m deep

Paintings of Isis and Nephthys

Who was buried here

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