Archaeologists have recently discovered a remarkable tomb containing mummified crocodiles in Qubbat al-Hawā, an area located to the south of the ancient city of Luxor, Egypt. This unexpected find has prompted further research into ancient Egyptian rituals and beliefs, leaving many questions about this discovery unanswered.
A team first discovered the tomb in 2019. Inside, they found seven mummified crocodiles ranging from one to two meters in length. The remains are believed to date back around 2,500 years. Also uncovered were several statues and amulets bearing the image of Sobek – the Egyptian god of crocodiles and fertility associated with water and strength – as well as inscribed stones with writings honoring him. Upon further examination, the archeology team in Egypt found five crocodile heads and five "more or less complete bodies" at varying levels of preservation.
This discovery provides many opportunities for researchers to gain an understanding of ancient customs and practices that would otherwise be lost to time. This find allows researchers to explore how these animals were mummified and what kind of rituals may have been involved in their preparation for burial. This excavation is crucial for conservation efforts, as it gives us insight into how these animals may have been viewed by ancient Egyptians and helps us better understand their culture. We can also use this discovery as a starting point for further research into other rituals that may have been practiced by ancient Egyptians.
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#sciencenews🐊Egyptian tomb with ten (!) #crocodile #mummies discovered by archeologists from @ujaen and studied by @RBINSmuseum's researchers. The crocodiles may have been used during rituals for the god Sobek, often depicted with a crocodile head https://t.co/tXCqFrwIVd pic.twitter.com/dZYwBHZmV2
— RBINSmuseum (@RBINSmuseum) January 18, 2023
Through this discovery, we are able to explore how these animals were mummified as well as shed light on other rituals that may have been practiced by ancient Egyptians. Archeologists were able to "carry out directly a detailed study of the preserved tissues and bones in all individuals" because of the lack of bandages and resin, according to Bea De Cupere, an archaeozoologist at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences. These findings are invaluable for future studies on Ancient Egypt's customs and traditions as well as conservation efforts aimed at preserving our history for generations to come.
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