Mystery of the 4,300-year-old “labyrinth” tomb of an Egyptian priestess

Cairo, Egypt – Archaeologists in Egypt have recently discovered an opulent ancient tomb dating back 4,300 years in Dahshur. Located about 33 km south of Cairo, Dahshur is home to numerous royal pyramids and a vast cemetery. Although only a small portion of the tomb has been excavated so far, the beautifully decorated walls adorned with vibrant paintings reveal the grandeur of this burial site.

Image: A wall painting inside the Egyptian priestess tomb – Photo: BỘ DU LỊCH VÀ CỔ VẬT AI CẬP

The tomb, known as a mastaba, is constructed using mud brick and features a rectangular shape with a flat roof and sloping sides. The interior walls of the tomb depict various scenes from ancient Egypt, including donkeys trampling over wheat to thresh it, boats sailing on the Nile River, and goods being sold in a marketplace.

Image: The grand structure of the tomb, even in its partially exposed state – Photo: Bộ Du Lịch và Cổ vật Ai Cập

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities revealed that archaeologists have also unearthed well-preserved statues. These statues vividly depict the tomb’s owners, a man named Seneb-Neb-Af and his wife, Idet.

Idet was a priestess of Hathor, the goddess associated with fertility, maternal love, and music. Seneb-Neb-Af held various positions in the royal palace related to property management.

According to Stephan Seidlmayer, a renowned Egyptologist from the German Archaeological Institute, who led the research, the age of the tomb was determined based on its architectural style, inscriptions, and various pottery fragments found within. The couple belonged to the Sixth Dynasty of the Ancient Egyptian Kingdom, a time when pyramids were being constructed, although smaller in scale compared to the famous ones in Giza.

Although the images reveal a large cavity with many intricately carved walls, archaeologists have yet to fully excavate the main part of the tomb. Surveys suggest that the tomb likely contains a network of tunnels leading to burial chambers, where they hope to find mummies and other valuable artifacts.

The discovery of this ancient tomb provides valuable insights into the lives of the elite during the Sixth Dynasty of Egypt. As further excavations unfold, researchers anticipate uncovering more secrets and unraveling the mysteries hidden within this labyrinthine tomb.

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