Ancient Egypt remains one of the most well-studied civilisations in the world, and yet holds some of the greatest mysteries for academics. Dating back to 3100 BC, the empire lasted 3000 years, and its story intertwines with Alexander the Great, the Romans, and the Achaemenid Persian Empire. Despite being ancient history, the characters and tale of the Egyptians have fascinated modern historians for centuries, captivating people with breath - taking pyramids and hidden tombs. Here we explore the greatest recent discoveries of Ancient Egypt.
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A limestone false door has become known as the gateway to the afterlife (Image: Getty)
‘Land of Gold Cave’
An engraving found in Aswan, a southern Egyptian city, is believed to be an estimated 5,100 years old – dating back to the first dynasty in Ancient Egypt. Historians know relatively little about this time in Egypt, so this message from the past provides a vital link to such a significant time.
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According to study author Dr Vanhulle, the engraving depicts an “ornate boat dragged by five figures to the right” and is believed to have been produced shortly after the reign of the first king during this time. As researchers continue to examine this evidence alongside a growing collection of rock art during the formation of Egypt, the engraving provides an important link to this era. It demonstrates an incredible connection between today’s civilisation and those of the past, through something as simple as a carving.
Queen with broken neck
Queen Hatsheput was only the second confirmed queen to ever rule over Egypt. Despite her vital role in Egypt’s history, this legendary figure sunk into obscurity after her reign, and it was believed her nephew, Thutmose III, had attempted to erase her from history by destroying her statues.
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However, a recent study by Jun Yi Wong has challenged this assumption, suggesting that the queen’s broken statues were damaged as part of traditions at the time, rather than disrespect. Wong argues that the statues being broken at the neck, waist, and feet show that the damage was part of ‘ritual deactivation’ – a measure taken to protect the living from spirits’ influence.
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This discovery suggests that there was more to the erasure of Queen Hatsheput from Ancient Egyptian history, and that there is much more to be revealed about our assumptions of politics in this era.
‘Door to the afterlife’
The existence of Prince-Waser-If-Re, son of the founder of Egypt’s fifth dynasty, has been revealed by a ‘door to the afterlife’. This cosmic door was discovered in a tomb believed to date back 4,400 years ago, and represents the importance of life after death in Egyptian civilisation.
False doors such as this one served as portals that helped the spirit of the deceased to move between the tomb and the afterlife. This particular door is covered in hieroglyphics revealing the life of the prince, as well his many titles which include Minister, Judge, and Chanting Priest.
Made out of pink granite despite the nearest source being 650km away, the door clearly reflects the status of its owner. Amazingly, without this discovery, we wouldn’t have even been aware of the prince’s existence.
A scene featuring Osiris from the 'Book of the Dead' (Image: Getty)
‘The Book of the Dead’
The Ancient Egyptians placed such importance on the afterlife, they even created a manuscript to help the deceased navigate it! Archeologists discovered a 43-foot long papyrus scroll in the Al-Gharaifa area which contained a part of this manuscript, and described it as ‘in good condition’.
This excerpt from the book was uncovered in a cemetery over 3,000 years old, and was found alongside a collection of other valuable artefacts such as statues and mummies. For example, the excavation revealed ‘shabti’ figures which were designed to serve the deceased in the afterlife.
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This site, dating back to the New Kingdom period, reveals a wealth of information about Egyptian burial practices, and highlights the importance the afterlife played in this civilisation.
The tomb of legendary Cleopatra may finally have been found (Image: Getty)
Cleopatra’s Tomb?
The mystery of Cleopatra’s tomb has captivated historians and conspiracy theorists alike for generations; has the secret finally been unearthed? A tunnel beneath a temple at the Taposiris Magna site has been discovered that may hold the answer. It contains artefacts linked to Cleopatra, such as coins with her image on them – as well as Alexander the Great’s – and Isis figures who Cleopatra famously admired.
In addition to this, the site is incredibly important to Ancient Egyptian history as it was founded by Ptolemy II in 280 BCE, who ruled Egypt for almost 40 years and was one of Cleopatra’s ancestors. Excavations continue to take place here, and the tunnel is another tantalising hint - hopefully leading us to the tomb of a near-mythic figure, and the answer to a centuries-old mystery.
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