A joint Egyptian-German archaeological expedition, affiliated with the German Archaeological Institute, made a significant discovery while excavating an ancient burial ground. They uncovered a previously unknown mastaba, which is a type of ancient Egyptian tomb.
This tomb dates back to Egypt’s Old Kingdom period, which lasted from around 2700 BCE to 2200 BCE, making it over 4,000 years old. It features intricate inscriptions and depictions of daily life activities such as grain processing, Nile river navigation, and bustling market scenes.
What sets this discovery apart is its location within the Dahshur complex, an ancient pyramid complex and burial site. Unlike other mastabas in the area that primarily focus on funerary themes, this newly found structure provides a unique insight into ancient Egyptian society.
Constructed using mudbrick, the mastaba was intended for a person named “Seneb-Neb-Af” and his wife “Idet,” who lived during the transition from the Fifth Dynasty to the Sixth Dynasty around 2300 BCE. The inscriptions reveal that Seneb-Neb-Af held esteemed positions within the royal palace, while Idet held titles such as “Priestess of Hathor” and “Lady of the Sycamore.”
This discovery aligns with ongoing excavations in the region, which are centered on tombs associated with priests, administrators, and influential individuals of that era. Dr. Stefan Seidlmayer, leading the archaeological mission, expressed enthusiasm about further excavations at the site. The team plans to meticulously clean and document the mastaba’s inscriptions, contributing to a deeper understanding of ancient Egyptian culture and civilization.
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