Archeologists have uncovered eight mummies dating back to the era of the pharaohs in an exciting new discovery that continues to reveal the hidden treasures of Ancient Egypt.
Mummies Found in Same Pyramid as King Amenhotep II
The mummies were found in limestone coffins in the same pyramid as King Amenhotep II, located in Dahshur near the Great Pyramids of Giza outside of Cairo. Three of the mummies are in excellent condition and date back to the “late era” of Ancient Egypt between 1085-332 BC.
The pyramid of King Amenhotep II, who reigned around 1400 BC during the 18th Dynasty, was being excavated by an Egyptian archaeological expedition when the mummies were discovered in the southeast corner. The coffins featured a layer of colored cardboard in human form.
Mummies Span Egypt’s Late Period
“One sarcophagus was rishi-style, which dates back to the 17th dynasty, while the other sarcophagus was from the 18th dynasty,” said Dr. Khaled El-Enany, Minister of Antiquities, regarding another recent discovery of two mummies found in Luxor.
The majority of the mummies discovered in Dahshur are from Ancient Egypt’s Late Period, which included the last dynasties of native Egyptian rulers before the Persian conquest in 332 BC. The late era saw iconic pharaohs like Ramses II and the most famous mummy of all – King Tutankhamun.
Mummies Shed Light on Egyptian Beliefs
The royal tombs feature decorative scenes from Egyptian mythology that provide clues about the religious beliefs and funerary rituals of the time period. Important funerary texts like the Book of Gates and Book of Caverns have been found on the walls of many ancient Egyptian burial sites.
While the Valley of the Kings in Luxor is perhaps the most renowned pharaonic burial ground, the new discoveries in Dahshur demonstrate that pyramid sites closer to the ancient capital of Memphis still contain remarkable artifacts waiting to be unearthed. As excavations continue, more light is sure to be shed on the fascinating and mysterious world of the pharaohs.
