Ancient necropolis discovered by archaeologists in Egypt: 'This is only the beginning'
Burial site near Tuna al-Gabal contains mummified remains of high priest of Thoth
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Archaeologists have discovered an ancient necropolis holding the mummified remains of a high priest of the Egyptian god Thoth.
The large cemetery was unearthed on a vast site on the edge of the desert near the Nile Valley city of Minya, south of the capital Cairo.
It is the latest find to be announced by the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities and excavation work is expected to take at least five years.
"This is only the beginning of a new discovery," said Antiquities Minister Khaled al-Anani.
One tomb contained more than 1,000 statues and four alabaster jars designed to hold the internal organs of a high priest of Thoth, the ancient god of the moon and wisdom who was depicted as a man with the head of an ibis.
The priest's mummy, decorated with blue and red beads and bronze gilded sheets, was also recovered.
Forty sarcohagi - some bearing the names of their owners in hieroglyphics - are believed to belong to the priest's family members.
Archaeologists started excavation work in the area late last year on a quest to find the remainder of the cemetery of Upper Egypt's 15th district, or nome, during ancient times.
Mostafa Waziri, head of the archaeological mission, said eight tombs had been uncovered so far and that he expects more will be discovered soon.
The area north of Tuna al-Gabal is known to house ancient catacombs from the Pharaonic Late Period and the Ptolemaic dynasty, including a large necropolis for thousands of mummified ibis and baboon birds.
Last year, the Ministry announced the discovery of a necropolis holding at least 17 mummies in the area of Tuna al-Gabal.
Egypt hopes the finds will reinvigorate the tourism industry after it suffered following political turmoil in the wake of the 2011 Revolution.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments