<p>Archaeologists have recently unearthed an intriguing and lavishly adorned tomb belonging to an ancient Egyptian royal scribe.</p>

<p>The fascinating discovery is not just about a burial site, it's also&nbsp;a window into a time when the fear of venomous snakes was part of everyday&nbsp;life. The tomb, believed to date back to around 500 B.C.,&nbsp;was revealed during excavations conducted in April and May at the Abusir archaeological site in Egypt.</p>

<h2><strong>Where exactly was the discovery made?</strong></h2>

<p>Located between the historical sites of Giza and Saqqara, Abusir is an ancient pyramid complex that has long fascinated archaeologists. This particular tomb is located in the western region of Abusir, which once served as the final resting place for high-ranking officials and military commanders hailing from ancient Egypt's 26th and 27th dynasties.</p>

<h2><strong>What timeline are we talking about?</strong></h2>

<p>The occupant of the richly adorned tomb is a previously unknown dignitary from a turbulent period in Egyptian history when the region faced invasions by Persian forces.</p>

<p>The dignitary's identity is revealed through hieroglyphics as Djehutyemhat, who held the title of a royal scribe.</p>

<p>The tomb is a medium-sized shaft tomb adorned with an array of inscriptions, artwork, and texts. Notably, its northern wall features a series of spells designed to safeguard against snake bites. During this era, venomous snakes were a constant threat, and these spells were crucial for protection. Interestingly, the spells also depict snakes as powerful guardians of the deceased and their mummy.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint: Discovery that dazzled world: Egypt marks 100 years of tomb of Tutankhamun</strong></p>

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<p>The burial chamber, hidden almost 50 feet below ground level, is a treasure trove of history. The southern and western walls are adorned with ritual offerings, and the ceiling displays intricate depictions of the sun's journey across the sky, accompanied by hymns to the celestial body.<br />
<img alt="The southern wall of the burial chamber and the lid of Džehutiemhat's sarcophagus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="16003f47-7ca6-4079-8deb-75a975538dc0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2855%29_0.png" /></p>

<p>At the heart of the burial chamber rests a large stone sarcophagus, adorned with hieroglyphic inscriptions and depictions of gods. Some of these inscriptions are excerpts from the Book of the Dead, a collection of ancient Egyptian funerary texts known for their spells and magic formulas. These texts were believed to guide and protect the deceased in the afterlife.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/archaeologists-find-remnants-of-5000-year-old-wine-in-ancient-tomb-of-egypt-645526">Archaeologists find remnants of 5,000-year-old wine in ancient tomb of Egypt</a></strong></p>

<p>The sarcophagus also features images of goddesses Isis and Nephthys, along with accompanying texts providing protection to the deceased. The presence of Imentet, the goddess of the West, adds a symbolic layer of meaning to the tomb.</p>

<p>The tomb's magical texts and inscriptions served a profound purpose. They were intended to ensure a smooth and secure journey into the afterlife for the dignitary, Djehutyemhat. This discovery not only sheds light on the individual and their role in this turbulent period but also on the fascinating beliefs and rituals of ancient Egyptians during the 6th to 5th centuries B.C.</p>


Archaeologists have recently unearthed an intriguing and lavishly adorned tomb belonging to an ancient Egyptian royal scribe. The fascinating discovery is not just about a burial site, it's also a window into a time when the fear of venomous snakes was part of everyday life.

Archaeologists have recently unearthed an intriguing and lavishly adorned tomb belonging to an ancient Egyptian royal scribe. The fascinating discovery is not just about a burial site, it's also a window into a time when the fear of venomous snakes was part of everyday life. The tomb, believed to date back to around 500 B.C., was revealed during excavations conducted in April and May at the Abusir archaeological site in Egypt. Where exactly was the discovery made? Located between the historical sites of Giza and Saqqara, Abusir is an ancient pyramid complex that has long fascinated archaeologists. This particular tomb is located in the western region of Abusir, which once served as the final resting place for high-ranking officials and military commanders hailing from ancient Egypt's 26th and 27th dynasties. What timeline are we talking about? The occupant of the richly adorned tomb is a previously unknown dignitary from a turbulent period in Egyptian history when the region faced invasions by Persian forces. The dignitary's identity is revealed through hieroglyphics as Djehutyemhat, who held the title of a royal scribe. The tomb is a medium-sized shaft tomb adorned with an array of inscriptions, artwork, and texts. Notably, its northern wall features a series of spells designed to safeguard against snake bites. During this era, venomous snakes were a constant threat, and these spells were crucial for protection. Interestingly, the spells also depict snakes as powerful guardians of the deceased and their mummy. Also watch | WION Fineprint: Discovery that dazzled world: Egypt marks 100 years of tomb of Tutankhamun × The burial chamber, hidden almost 50 feet below ground level, is a treasure trove of history. The southern and western walls are adorned with ritual offerings, and the ceiling displays intricate depictions of the sun's journey across the sky, accompanied by hymns to the celestial body. At the heart of the burial chamber rests a large stone sarcophagus, adorned with hieroglyphic inscriptions and depictions of gods. Some of these inscriptions are excerpts from the Book of the Dead, a collection of ancient Egyptian funerary texts known for their spells and magic formulas. These texts were believed to guide and protect the deceased in the afterlife. Also read | Archaeologists find remnants of 5,000-year-old wine in ancient tomb of Egypt The sarcophagus also features images of goddesses Isis and Nephthys, along with accompanying texts providing protection to the deceased. The presence of Imentet, the goddess of the West, adds a symbolic layer of meaning to the tomb. The tomb's magical texts and inscriptions served a profound purpose. They were intended to ensure a smooth and secure journey into the afterlife for the dignitary, Djehutyemhat. This discovery not only sheds light on the individual and their role in this turbulent period but also on the fascinating beliefs and rituals of ancient Egyptians during the 6th to 5th centuries B.C.

Snake-deterring tomb adorning excerpts from Book of the Dead discovered in Egypt

<p>In another significant discovery, a funerary temple that dates back 4,200 years has been found along with 54 coffins in Egypt.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Archaeologist Zahi Hawass, who heads the excavation mission, said that the temple of Queen Neit was discovered near the pyramid of her husband King Teti, who was from Egypt's 6th dynasty which dates back 4,200 years at the Saqqara necropolis south of Cairo, reports news agency Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/egypt-unveils-3000-year-old-coffins-in-latest-archaeological-discovery-357539/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Egypt's Ministry of Antiquities on Sunday said that the archaeologists have found the temple and Teti's wife's burial pyramids with Queen Neit's name inscribed in a wall.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>In Pics | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/archaeological-discovery-in-egypt-rewrites-history-as-we-know-it-357359#what-is-saqqara-357350">Archaeological discovery in Egypt 'rewrites history' as we know it!</a></strong></p>

<p>"I'd never heard of this queen before. Therefore, we add an important piece to Egyptian history about this queen," Hawass told CBS News.</p>

<p>The archaeologists have also found 52 burial shafts that comprise over 50 wooden coffins, or sarcophagi, that were about 3,000 years old.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the unversed, Saqqara is a UNESCO world heritage site and is home to the Step Pyramid.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The coffins are carved in human form and pained in bright colours and many of these remain intact.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The antiquities ministry said that this is the first time that such old sarcophagi have been found.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Egypt is keen to display these newly discovered artefacts as they attempt to revive the tourism industry that was hit by the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since September, at least 160 human coffins buried below the sand, in shafts up to 40 feet deep have been discovered, a report by Business Insider claimed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the latest findings, the total is now at least 210 coffins or more.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"All these discoveries will rewrite the history of Saqqara and the New Kingdom," said Hawass.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


In another significant discovery, a funerary temple that dates back 4,200 years has been found along with 54 coffins in Egypt. Archaeologist Zahi Hawass, who heads the excavation mission, said that the temple of Queen Neit was discovered near the pyramid of her husband King Teti, who was from Egypt's 6th dynasty which dates back 4,200 years at the Saqqara necropolis south of Cairo, reports news agency Reuters.

In another significant discovery, a funerary temple that dates back 4,200 years has been found along with 54 coffins in Egypt. Archaeologist Zahi Hawass, who heads the excavation mission, said that the temple of Queen Neit was discovered near the pyramid of her husband King Teti, who was from Egypt's 6th dynasty which dates back 4,200 years at the Saqqara necropolis south of Cairo, reports news agency Reuters. Watch | Egypt's Ministry of Antiquities on Sunday said that the archaeologists have found the temple and Teti's wife's burial pyramids with Queen Neit's name inscribed in a wall. In Pics | Archaeological discovery in Egypt 'rewrites history' as we know it! "I'd never heard of this queen before. Therefore, we add an important piece to Egyptian history about this queen," Hawass told CBS News. The archaeologists have also found 52 burial shafts that comprise over 50 wooden coffins, or sarcophagi, that were about 3,000 years old. For the unversed, Saqqara is a UNESCO world heritage site and is home to the Step Pyramid. The coffins are carved in human form and pained in bright colours and many of these remain intact. The antiquities ministry said that this is the first time that such old sarcophagi have been found. Egypt is keen to display these newly discovered artefacts as they attempt to revive the tourism industry that was hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Since September, at least 160 human coffins buried below the sand, in shafts up to 40 feet deep have been discovered, a report by Business Insider claimed. With the latest findings, the total is now at least 210 coffins or more. "All these discoveries will rewrite the history of Saqqara and the New Kingdom," said Hawass.

Egypt: 4,200-year-old funerary temple for a queen discovered

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Snake-deterring tomb adorning excerpts from Book of the Dead discovered in Egypt

Egypt: 4,200-year-old funerary temple for a queen discovered