Archaeological Mission Uncovers Thousands of Mummified Ram Heads, Ancient Building in Southern Egypt
Date
3/27/2023 4:35:58 AM
(MENAFN) An American archaeological mission from New York University's Institute for the Study of the Ancient World has discovered over 2,000 mummified ram heads at the Rameses II temple in the ancient city of Abydos, in the Upper Egyptian province of Sohag. The temple is one of several across the country dedicated to Rameses II, whose reign from 1279BC to 1213BC is considered the height of Egypt's power and glory.
In addition to the mummified ram heads, the mission also uncovered a building dating back almost 4,000 years to the rule of ancient Egypt’s sixth dynasty (2345-2181BC). The building predates the reign of Ramses II by about 1,000 years to the final epoch of Egypt's Old Kingdom and is architecturally quite different from the temple structure, with particularly thick walls about five metres in depth.
Mostafa Waziri, secretary general of Egypt’s antiquities council, said the discoveries were significant because they “lift the veil off important details about the life and history of Rameses II’s temple at Abydos and the surrounding area.” He added that the find contributes greatly to our understanding of the temple and all the life it witnessed over 2,000 years from the time of the sixth dynasty to Ptolemaic Egypt.
The discoveries made by the American archaeological mission provide important insight into the life and history of ancient Egypt, shedding light on the structures and practices of the time. As archaeological missions continue to uncover new artifacts and structures, we gain a better understanding of the rich history and culture of this ancient civilization.
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