Unveiling a Lost Chapter of Egyptian History
A team of Egyptian and American archaeologists has uncovered a previously unknown royal tomb dating back to the Second Intermediate Period (1700–1550 BC) in the Mount Anubis necropolis, a historically significant burial site in Abydos, Sohag Province, Egypt.
Mount Anubis: A Sacred Burial Ground
The “Mountain-of-Anubis”, a pyramid-shaped peak in the desert cliffs of Abydos, played a key role in ancient Egyptian funerary traditions. It was central to the mortuary complex of Senwosret III (who ruled from 1878–1839 BC) during the Twelfth Dynasty and later served as the final resting place for rulers of the Abydos Dynasty, a short-lived kingdom in Middle and Upper Egypt during the Second Intermediate Period.
Discovery of an Unknown Pharaoh’s Tomb
According to Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, excavations have revealed a limestone burial chamber covered by mudbrick vaults, believed to belong to an unidentified pharaoh. The tomb, measuring five meters high and located seven meters below ground, features inscriptions near its entrance that mention Isis and Nephthys, two significant deities in Egyptian mythology.
Clues to the Pharaoh’s Identity
Inside the tomb, archaeologists found faded yellow inscription bands that likely once bore the ruler’s name in hieroglyphics. Unfortunately, due to deterioration, only fragments of motifs and text remain.
Similarities to Other Royal Burials
mage Credit : Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Dr. Joseph Wagner, head of the archaeological team from the University of Pennsylvania, noted that the tomb’s structure and decorative style closely resemble that of Woseribre Senebkay, a pharaoh from the Second Intermediate Period whose tomb was discovered in Abydos in 2014.
Significance of the Discovery
Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, emphasized the importance of the find, stating:
“This tomb provides fresh evidence of royal burial practices in the region and offers a deeper understanding of the complex political landscape of that era.”
This groundbreaking discovery sheds light on a lesser-known period in Egyptian history and raises intriguing questions about the rulers of the Abydos Dynasty. Further analysis of the tomb’s inscriptions and artifacts could offer new insights into the political and cultural shifts of ancient Egypt.
