Buzz
As 2019 nears its end, the field of Egyptology has once again yielded an exceptional bounty. Some discoveries were entirely new, while others shed fresh light on existing artifacts, deepening the intrigue surrounding ancient mysteries. Certain relics resurfaced after decades of obscurity. Regardless of their nature, these findings offer a captivating glimpse into Egypt's past. From strange hieroglyphs and the authentic flavor of ancient bread to submerged temples, the latest season of Egyptology has something extraordinary to offer.
10. The Adolescent and the Pyramid
Located in the Beni Suef region, the Meidum pyramid stands as an architectural anomaly. Originally constructed as a step monument, its sides were later smoothed to transform it into a true pyramid. The reason for this modification remains a mystery. In 2019, a burial site discovered nearby added another layer of intrigue to this enigmatic structure.
Unearthed beside the 4,600-year-old pyramid, the tomb contained the remains of a teenage girl, approximately 13 years old at the time of her death from unknown causes. While the exact era of her passing is uncertain, she was undoubtedly an ancient Egyptian. Her body was found in a crouched position, and the grave was notably devoid of offerings. However, researchers uncovered evidence of a nearby cemetery and two bovine skulls, likely intended as funerary tributes. These skulls, though, could not be definitively linked to the girl's burial.
The team also uncovered remnants of a brick wall that might have once enclosed the cemetery. The discovery of a teenager buried without ritual near a modified pyramid, potentially surrounded by a wall, presents a puzzle that will likely baffle archaeologists for years to come.
9. A Schoolboy’s Lesson
In 2019, the British Library unveiled an artifact that had been in storage for decades. Last seen by the public in the 1970s, the tablet appeared surprisingly contemporary at an exhibition focused on the history of writing. Its surface bore the scribbles of a child, mimicking phrases penned by an adult. However, this was no modern creation—the tablet dated back 1,800 years.
The young Egyptian student was tasked with transcribing two Greek proverbs. This exercise was not merely about mastering the alphabet but also about cultivating wisdom. The adult’s text cautioned against associating with bad influences and emphasized seeking knowledge only from the wise. The student was likely a boy, as education in ancient Egypt was typically reserved for sons of elite families. This also explains why an Egyptian child was practicing Greek on the tablet. During this period, Egypt was under Roman rule, and fluency in Greek and Latin was expected of the educated class.
8. A Distinguished Woman and Her Companion
In 2019, another significant discovery was announced: the tomb of a woman. While excavating the prolific site of Saqqara, archaeologists uncovered a catacomb dating back 2,000 years, during the Roman occupation of Egypt. The woman buried there was not of Egyptian origin.
Her name was Demetria. Greek inscriptions revealed the names of her closest relatives and referred to her as “worthy.” A carving inside the tomb portrayed her in an elegant dress, holding grapes. Beside her stood an animal, likely a pet, though its species remains unidentified, gazing up at her with its paws resting on her dress. Additionally, several statues resembling cats could not be definitively linked to any known species.
The underground chamber was further adorned with depictions of Egyptian gods. An inscription beneath the deities mentioned a man named Menelaos, described as their servant. The Greek title “Therapeutes” was used to denote his role, a term exceptionally rare in Egyptian contexts. While the term is not entirely unknown, scholars remain divided on the specific duties of a Therapeutes or how such servants lived.
7. The Enigma of the Bird Mummies
The ancient Egyptians frequently offered mummies as gifts. Ordinary citizens would visit local dealers, often priests, to purchase small animals or birds. Birds, in particular, were highly popular, leading Egyptologists to uncover millions of preserved avian specimens. Some of these birds were even buried in miniature coffins.
The vast quantity of mummified birds raised questions about their source. The African sacred ibis was the most frequently used species, but how did the Egyptians acquire so many? Traditionally, it was believed that ibis farms, similar to modern chicken farms, existed in Egypt. However, in 2019, geneticists analyzed DNA from 40 ibis mummies and reached a strikingly different conclusion.
Domesticated animals of the same species typically share similar genetic traits. However, the DNA of the mummified ibises displayed significant variation, indicating they were likely wild-caught. This suggests the Egyptians may have captured wild ibises to use as offerings. Critics argue that capturing millions of wild ibises would have been nearly impossible and unsustainable. Yet, the Egyptians maintained a steady supply without apparent farming. The mystery of how they achieved this remains unsolved.
6. The Flavor of Ancient Egyptian Bread
Seamus Blackley, co-creator of the Xbox, is also a passionate amateur Egyptologist and baker. Recently, he combined these interests to recreate a long-lost taste: ancient Egyptian bread. The challenge was obtaining the yeast used thousands of years ago.
Blackley successfully acquired 4,500-year-old yeast, extracted from cooking vessels dating back to the Old Kingdom. With the help of scientists, the dormant yeast was revived in a lab, and Blackley was able to take a sample home. He nurtured the yeast for a week, feeding it olive oil, hand-milled barley, and einkorn wheat. Eventually, he developed a starter, similar to what is used in sourdough baking.
The next phase involved blending the starter with historically accurate ingredients. Modern wheat was unsuitable, as it was developed long after the yeast became dormant. Blackley opted for ancient grains such as einkorn, barley, and kamut. As the bread baked, he noticed a sweeter aroma compared to loaves made with the same grains and modern yeast. He described the final product as “light and airy,” with an “aroma and flavor that are truly extraordinary.”
5. The Priest Cachette
In 2019, Egyptian officials held a press conference to unveil a stunning discovery: 30 immaculately preserved coffins. These caskets, crafted and painted 3,000 years ago, were in exceptional condition. The intricate designs and vibrant colors remained strikingly clear despite their age.
The remains were unearthed from the necropolis of El-Assasif, near Luxor. The craftsmanship of the wooden coffins and inscriptions hinted that some belonged to priests, earning the find the nickname “cachette of the priests.” Discovered in two layers, with 12 coffins stacked atop the others, the group was found sealed and undisturbed.
For dramatic impact, two coffins were opened during the conference, revealing well-preserved mummies with intact bandages. The cachette included the remains of 2 children, 5 women, and 23 men. Their untouched state offers researchers a rare opportunity to uncover their identities and the reasons for their collective burial.
4. Fragments of a Lost Temple
For nearly 20 years, divers have been investigating Heracleion, an ancient Egyptian city that once thrived as a bustling port before mysteriously sinking beneath the waves. Rediscovered 45 meters (148 feet) below the Mediterranean Sea, the site has yielded numerous artifacts and structures. In 2019, an international team made their most remarkable discovery yet: enormous stone columns.
These massive stone fragments are believed to have been part of the city’s primary temple, known as Amun Garp. Advanced scanning technology enabled the discovery, allowing scientists to view images without the need to excavate through layers of silt and marine life. Additionally, the scans revealed a smaller Greek temple and shipwrecks laden with jewelry and coins. The team also recovered another section of a ceremonial boat previously found at the site.
Often referred to as “Egypt’s Atlantis,” the submerged city was constructed around the eighth century. It has already yielded stunning architecture, treasures, and towering statues. With approximately 95 percent of Heracleion still unexplored, the site promises to unveil even more astonishing finds.
3. Enigmatic Hieroglyphs
Egyptian tombs can sometimes feel repetitive. Beyond their literal age, many follow a predictable pattern: lost to history, rediscovered, and belonging to elite individuals buried with lavish possessions. Inscriptions and murals often narrate their lives. However, in 2019, officials announced a tomb that broke this mold.
A year prior, archaeologists uncovered burials in Saqqara dating back 2,000 years. One of the modest coffins was severely deteriorated, but intriguing details remained. Near the neck area, the coffin lid featured a painted necklace. Below, where hieroglyphs typically identified the deceased, something unusual appeared.
When experts attempted to decipher the inscription, it was nonsensical. The issue wasn’t their expertise—the hieroglyphs were poorly imitated, resulting in gibberish. It’s likely the artist was illiterate, as none of the symbols were correctly formed. Adding to the mystery, the coffin bore a depiction of Anubis in blue, a departure from the traditional black. The meaning behind these anomalies remains unclear, leaving scholars and enthusiasts alike to speculate.
2. Rare Lion Mummies
The ancient Egyptians had an intriguing peculiarity. Despite the lion being one of their most potent symbols, only one mummified lion had ever been discovered. While lions no longer roam Egypt, they were once common along the Nile, even kept as royal pets. This raises the question: where are all the lion mummies?
Despite centuries of excavation and millions of mummies uncovered, the mystery of missing lion mummies persisted. Classical texts mentioned Egyptians mummifying lions, yet only one had ever been found. A breakthrough occurred in 2019 during an excavation in Saqqara, where researchers discovered numerous statues of domestic cats, mummified cobras, and crocodiles. Among the finds were five feline-shaped mummies, which, to the team’s excitement, were identified as lion cubs.
The ancient cubs were around eight months old when they died. Their discovery may shed light on why so few lion mummies exist despite the animal’s elite status in Egyptian culture. This raises questions about why the Egyptians chose to place five lion mummies together in the same location.
1. Seven Tattooed Women
Approximately 3,000 years ago, artists working near the Valley of the Kings created elaborate murals for royal tombs. After their workday, they returned to the village of Deir el-Medina. Their personal artistic expressions remained hidden until 2014, when a remarkable discovery was made.
A female mummy from Deir el-Medina was found adorned with multiple tattoos. Given their quantity and sacred motifs, she was believed to be a priestess. Over time, six more tattooed women were unearthed at the same site. In 2019, researchers published their findings, revolutionizing our understanding of tattoos in ancient Egypt.
Previously, scholars believed Egyptian tattoos were rare symbols indicating high social status. However, the discovery of tattooed women in Deir el-Medina revealed that body art was more widespread than once thought. While these tattoos held religious significance, they also served a contemporary purpose: they were a permanent expression of personal and social identity.
