The commander’s coffin had been stolen, and his mummified remains have vanished. This commander, Wahibre-mery-Neith, lived during the late 26th Dynasty (circa 688 BC to 525 BC) or the early 27th Dynasty (525 BC to 404 BC). While Egypt remained independent during the 26th Dynasty, the 27th Dynasty marked the beginning of Persian rule.
Despite the growing foreign influence during his time, Wahibre-mery-Neith seems to have been of local origin, as indicated by his name and the artifacts found in his tomb, according to Miroslav Bárta, the director of the Czech expedition in Egypt.
The tomb also contained 402 ceramic, glazed shabti figurines. Ancient Egyptians believed that shabtis would serve the deceased in the afterlife, making them a common feature in Egyptian tombs. Additional discoveries in the tomb included a scarab heart amulet, a protective charm, and an ostracon (pottery shard) inscribed with more spells from the Book of the Dead. These artifacts provide further insights into the funerary practices and beliefs of the period.
Daniel Gómez-Castro, a historian with extensive research and publications on Greek mercenaries in the ancient world, noted the intriguing absence of armor or weapons in Wahibre-mery-Neith’s tomb. This absence suggests that Wahibre might not have been a battlefield commander but rather someone responsible for administrative tasks for the mercenaries. If Wahibre lived during the Persian control of Egypt, it is possible that he could have been a relative of a “Dynast,” an individual appointed by the Persians with specific local powers.
This perspective provides a deeper understanding of Wahibre-mery-Neith’s role, indicating his position might have been more bureaucratic than combative, overseeing the foreign troops rather than directly engaging in battle. This administrative role aligns with the increasing complexity and organization required during the Persian rule of Egypt, reflecting the broader political and social structures of the time.
