An American archaeological mission has discovered more than 2,000 mummified ramss of the Ptolemaic era, in addition to a large sixth dynasty building in the area of the temple of pharaoh Ramses II, in the ancient city of Abydosreported today the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities.
«This discovery reveals important details in the life and history of the temple of Ramses II, in Abydos and the surrounding area, which probably contribute to understanding the site of the temple and the life it housed for more than two thousand years«Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Mustafa Waziri said, according to the ministry statement.
(In addition: Egypt discovers four tombs of pharaohs and a mummy of more than 4,000 years)
The mission revealed a number of mummified animals next to the heads of the rams, «including a group of sheep, dogs, wild goats, cattle, deer and mongoose«, which was found in one of the newly discovered storerooms within the northern region of the temple.
For his part, the head of the mission, Sameh Iskandar, said that this large number of mummified rams could be used as a votive offering during the practice of the cult«unprecedented in Abydos during the period of the Ptolemaic era», further indicating that reverence for Pharaoh Ramses II remained in Abydos for a thousand years after his death.
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A large building of the sixth heritage was found at the site in the area of the temple of Pharaoh Ramses II.
Mike Nelson / EFE File
As for the huge building discovered, that dates back to the era of the sixth dynasty of pharaohsIt is characterized by «a different and unique architectural design» due to its thick and enormous walls of about five meters wide.
Iskander said that «this building will contribute to the reconsideration of the activities and architecture of the ancient state in Abydos», as well as on the nature of the place and the activities that took place before the construction of the temple of Ramses II.
This building will strongly contribute to the reconsideration of the activities and architecture of the ancient state in Abydos.
In addition, the head of the Central Administration for Upper Egyptian Antiquities of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Mohamed Abdel Badi, added that the mission also revealed parts of the north wall of the wall surrounding the temple and its annexes.
(Also: Archaeologists discover 4,300-year-old mummy, his name is Messi)
This discovery «changed what was established about the design of the temple of King Ramses II and what it was described, painted and circulated among scientists and researchers since it was revealed more than 150 years ago«, where parts of statues, papyri, remains of old trees, clothing and leather shoes were found.
The mission will complete the work of its excavations at the site to reveal more about the history of this place and to study and document what was found during the current excavation season, the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities concluded.
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EFE