Archaeologists discover ancient Egyptian mummies with golden tongues
Archaeologists in Egypt have uncovered tombs containing dozens of mummies, some with golden tongues and nails.
These tombs were found in Al-Bahnasa, in Egypt’s Minya governorate, which was once home to the ancient city of Oxyrhynchus.
The discovery was announced by Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
Oxyrhynchus was an important city during the Greco-Roman period, which lasted from the late fourth century B.C. to the seventh century A.D. The newly discovered tombs date back to the Ptolemaic period, a time when Egypt was ruled by a Greek dynasty.
Some of the mummies of this period were buried with gold tongues. Archaeologists believe the golden tongues were meant to help the dead communicate with Osiris, the god of the underworld, and ensure their journey to the afterlife.
Gold, which was considered divine by the ancient Egyptians, was thought to protect and preserve the dead.
In addition to the golden tongues, the team found mummies with golden nails.
The discovery also included colourful inscriptions, texts, and ritual scenes in the tombs. Some of these depict goddesses and are being reported for the first time in the Al-Bahnasa area.
The team also unearthed a variety of ancient artefacts, such as amulets and idols of Egyptian gods like Horus, Isis, and Osiris. Many amulets were shaped like scarab beetles, which were considered magical in ancient Egyptian culture.
