Archaeologists in Egypt have excavated a 3,000-year-old tomb near Cairo, uncovering mummified cats, scarab beetles, and wooden statues, offering insights into ancient Egyptian burial practices.
The tomb, dating to the New Kingdom period (1539-1075 BCE), likely belonged to a high-ranking official and contained well-preserved artifacts, including amulets and a bronze statue of the god Osiris.
The mummified animals, often buried as offerings to deities, reflect the Egyptians’ reverence for cats as protectors and scarabs as symbols of rebirth.
Egypt’s Ministry of Antiquities noted the tomb’s intact condition, a rare find amid frequent looting.
The discovery, near the Saqqara necropolis, adds to ongoing excavations revealing Egypt’s cultural heritage.
Experts suggest the findings could enhance understanding of social hierarchies and religious rituals, with plans to display artifacts in the Grand Egyptian Museum.
The tomb, dating to the New Kingdom period (1539-1075 BCE), likely belonged to a high-ranking official and contained well-preserved artifacts, including amulets and a bronze statue of the god Osiris.
The mummified animals, often buried as offerings to deities, reflect the Egyptians’ reverence for cats as protectors and scarabs as symbols of rebirth.
Egypt’s Ministry of Antiquities noted the tomb’s intact condition, a rare find amid frequent looting.
The discovery, near the Saqqara necropolis, adds to ongoing excavations revealing Egypt’s cultural heritage.
Experts suggest the findings could enhance understanding of social hierarchies and religious rituals, with plans to display artifacts in the Grand Egyptian Museum.