Egyptian archaeologists have uncovered a 3,200-year-old necropolis that served as a burial ground for the aristocracy of Memphis, the Old Kingdom capital city. The dig, led by curators of the National Museum of Antiquities of Leiden and the director of the Museo Egizio in Turin, Italy, revealed several tombs shaped like small temples, with intricate details and artifacts that shed light on the social dynamics of ancient Egyptians.
The largest tomb belonged to Panehsy, a steward of the Amun Temple in Karnak, and boasted an elaborate temple with a gated entrance, columned porticoes, and underground burial chambers. The tomb also featured a statue of Panehsy worshiping the goddess Hathor, and a carving of Panehsy with his wife Baia.
Four smaller tombs were also found at the site, including one for Yuyu, who made gold foil for the royal treasury, and three for unidentified persons. According to Lara Weiss, one of the dig’s curators, the cemetery offers a glimpse into ancient Egyptians’ daily life and social relations.
The National Museum of Antiquities excavated at Saqqara in 1975, and the Museo Egizio became an official partner in 2015. Earlier this year, the team also found what could be the oldest known mummy in Egypt at Saqqara. The discovery of this necropolis is a significant addition to the understanding of ancient Egyptian culture and history.
