New Discovery in Egypt Scared Scientists

Gruesome Discovery in Egypt

The Eerie Find

A chilling discovery from Egypt a few years ago has captivated the world. Archaeologists unearthed 16 human hands buried meticulously in four eerie pits. Initially, these hands seemed unusual due to their abnormally large size, but the most peculiar detail was that all of them were right hands—no left hands were found.

Ancient Dark Rituals

This discovery hints at an ancient dark ritual. Egyptian art and texts describe a ceremony where warriors would present the right hands of their defeated enemies as proof of victory and demand gold in return. Egyptians believed in the afterlife, so severing a hand symbolized the eternal loss of power, making the defeat more significant to the victors. This particular conflict involved Egyptians and the Hyksos, who lived in what was once Canaan.

The Papyrus Discovery

The Ancient Manuscript

Egypt is renowned for its historical discoveries, and recently, a remarkable papyrus was found. If fully extended, it would be slightly taller than the world’s smallest skyscraper, located in Wichita Falls, Texas. This papyrus, made from the pith of the papyrus plant, dates back about 2,000 years. It resembles a book and contains descriptions of Egyptian funeral customs and afterlife beliefs.

Location and Significance

This significant manuscript was discovered in a chamber south of the Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara. Contrary to popular belief, Djoser’s pyramid, the oldest in Egypt, predates the famous pyramids of Giza.

Exciting New Findings

The Well-Preserved Mummy

Recently, excitement buzzed around Saqqara with the discovery of one of Egypt's oldest complete mummies. This well-preserved mummy, believed to belong to a wealthy man, was found in a deep shaft covered with layers of gold leaf. Signs of his high status included a headband, a chest bracelet, and a fine tunic used exclusively for Egypt’s elite. The most thrilling aspect was finding the tomb sealed with mortar just as the ancient Egyptians had left it 4,300 years ago.

The Missing Pyramid

In 2008, archaeologists discovered a missing pyramid. Deteriorated over 4,000 years, only its base remained visible. This pyramid was important in ancient times, where high priests conducted ceremonies involving mummified sacred bulls. These bulls were earthly incarnations of the deity of Memphis, associated with fertility rites. After their death, they were mummified and interred in underground galleries. The pyramid, initially discovered by a German archaeologist in the 1800s and dubbed the "Headless Pyramid," was eventually buried under desert sand. Excitement surged when scientists uncovered the pyramid's base after removing a 25-foot mound of sand.

The Way of the Water Buffalo

The Massive Cemetery

American archaeologists are currently excavating a vast cemetery in Egypt, which might contain over a million mummified bodies. So far, around 1,700 mummies have been uncovered. Unlike the royal mummies, these belong to commoners from about 1,500 years ago, during the Roman and Byzantine periods. The cemetery is intriguingly named the "Way of the Water Buffalo."

Unique Discoveries

The Valley of Monkeys

In the early 20th century, archaeologists discovered a site filled with mummified baboons in the "Valley of Monkeys." Certain animals were mummified due to their religious significance. Baboons, linked to Thoth, the deity of wisdom, were highly valued. Unfortunately, many baboons suffered from extreme vitamin D deficiencies due to poor living conditions.

Mummies with Golden Tongues

Another fascinating find was human mummies with golden tongues, based on the belief that these would enable the deceased to speak in the afterlife. Some mummies were accompanied by items like necklaces, pottery, and golden artifacts shaped like lotus flowers and scarabs—though no iPhones!

Recent Excavations

Temple Dedicated to Zeus

Recently, scientists unearthed a new temple in Egypt, thought to honor a deity combining Zeus and Mount Kasos. Excavations in the Sinai Peninsula revealed two pink granite columns, believed to have been part of the temple’s entrance, which collapsed during an earthquake long ago.

The Deity of Fun

A golden ring depicting Bes, the jovial and chubby deity of fun, was found south of Cairo. Bes was also a protector of women during childbirth. Ancient Egyptian women often had tattoos for protection during childbirth, with designs including images of Bes.

Ingenious Inventions

The Automated Deity

Lastly, did you know ancient Egyptians might have invented a form of robot? An automated wooden statue, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, was discovered to have a mechanical system that allows it to move its hand. This intriguing artifact showcases the Egyptians' ingenuity.