A series of remarkable archaeological discoveries have recently shed new light on ancient Egyptian rituals involving animal mummification and royal burials, bringing to the forefront the cultural significance of these practices.
Notably, archaeologists from Belgium and Spain made headlines with their excavation of the necropolis at Qubbet el-Hawa, located across the Nile River from the historic city of A swann. This excavation revealed ten crocodile mummies, of which five contained nearly complete skeletons. The remaining five were heads only. The remains included both Nile and West African crocodiles, which were estimated to have been between 1.8 and 3.5 meters (about 6 to 11 feet) long before their deaths.
According to research reported by Carme Mayans, published in the journal PLOS One in 2023, the study not only detailed methods of mummification used but also the circumstances surrounding the deaths of these crocodiles. Egyptians revered and feared crocodiles, viewing them as intermediaries with Sobek, the god of water and fertility, symbolizing the delicate balance of life supported by the Nile River.
Interestingly, it was revealed through analysis of the crocodile mummies' remains and mummification techniques, no traces of the typical resins were found. Instead, evidence suggested these crocodiles might have been dehydrated to death after being tied up and left under the harsh sun, indicative of what appears to be a cruel method of sacrifice.
Meanwhile, at the Waseda University Archaeological Museum, another significant exhibition titled Ancient Egyptian Coffins and Burials showcases pottery coffins and mummy cloth originating from the university's excavations conducted since 1971. The exhibition, currently being held at the Morita Museum in Honjo, Saitama Prefecture, features eight pottery coffins and 20 pieces of mummy cloth, some making their public debut.
The highlight of the display includes five pottery coffins from the Ptolemaic Dynasty (3rd to 1st century BC), with one specific coffin containing the remains of a female mummy. These coffins were excavated from the Malkata South Ruins Fish Mound, situated near Luxor, which is famously known for the Valley of the Kings.
The importance of these finds cannot be overstated, providing insights not only about the mummification processes but also about how these artifacts were once integral to ancient burial customs.
“During the excavation, we found evidence of ancient Egyptian beliefs centered around crocodiles as representations of the god Sobek, highlighting their duality of reverence and fear,” remarked Carme Mayans.
Emphasizing the significance of these findings, Dr. Josef Wegner, who leads the archaeological team at the University of Pennsylvania, commented on another recent discovery at Anubis Mountain, located within the Sohag Governorate. This site is revered for its pyramid-like sacred mountain structure and is believed to have been used for royal burials during ancient Egypt's Second Intermediate Period.
The unearthing of the unidentified pharaoh's tomb, resting approximately 3,550 to 3,700 years ago, has opened doors to reevaluations of historical burial practices. The tomb itself, featuring limestone and mud-brick architecture, houses inscriptions dedicated to the goddesses Isis and Nephthys flanking its entrance, demonstrating the cultural and religious significance of the site.
Dr. Wegner stated, “This tomb provides new evidence concerning the burial customs of the region, enhancing our comprehension of the era's political complexity.” The discovery is poised to enrich our knowledge about the burial customs and rituals practiced by the royals of ancient Egypt.
Overall, these discoveries reinforce the significance of crocodiles within ancient Egyptian culture and the complex rituals surrounding their mummification, alongside the integral role of pottery coffins. These archaeological findings not only reflect on the past but also serve as powerful reminders of the importance of history and its continuous relevance today.
Future research is anticipated to deepen our comprehension of the political frameworks and cultural reverence surrounding these ancient practices. With each excavation, more secrets of the ancient Egyptian world emerge, reminding us how intricately woven these beliefs were within their society.
