Archaeologists working at the Taposiris Magna temple on the outskirts of Alexandria, Egypt, have uncovered 16 human burial chambers, according to an announcement by the Egyptian ministry of tourism and antiquities. This remarkable discovery sheds light on ancient burial practices and the cultural significance of gold in funerary rites.
Golden Tongues and Other Artifacts
Among the findings, two mummies were notable for having golden tongues placed in their jawbones. These tongues were intended to ensure that the deceased could speak in the afterlife, a belief deeply rooted in ancient Egyptian culture. The site also yielded other golden artifacts, including a funerary mask adorned with gold flakes in the shape of a wreath and gilded decorations depicting Osiris, the god of the dead.
Historical Context
The mummies and artifacts date back over 2,000 years, to a period when Egypt was ruled by Greek Macedonians and later by Romans. The temple of Taposiris Magna itself was constructed during the reign of King Ptolemy IV in the third century B.C. Notably, coins depicting Queen Cleopatra VII, the last ruler of the Ptolemaic Dynasty, have also been found at this site.
Significance of Gold in Burial Practices
Dr. Jennifer Houser Wegner of the Penn Museum highlighted the significance of gold in ancient Egyptian culture, noting its associations with everlastingness and its use in funerary contexts to ensure the deceased’s ability to converse with gods like Osiris. Dr. Lorelei H. Corcoran from the University of Memphis added that the practice of placing a golden tongue in the mouth is linked to Spell 158 of the Book of the Dead, which guarantees the deceased can breathe, speak, eat, and drink in the afterlife.
Ongoing Research and Discoveries
The archaeological team, led by Kathleen Martinez from the Dominican Republic, has been searching for Cleopatra’s tomb at Taposiris Magna. While Cleopatra’s burial site remains undiscovered, the recent finds at the necropolis indicate that the site still holds many secrets. Martinez expressed excitement over the discovery, emphasizing its importance in understanding the Greco-Roman period in Alexandria.
The Egyptian-Dominican mission continues to explore the necropolis, hopeful of uncovering further insights into ancient Egyptian and Greco-Roman burial practices. The golden tongues and other artifacts will be studied at the Alexandria National Museum before being displayed across Egypt, contributing to the country’s rich archaeological heritage and attracting tourists worldwide.
Tourism and Archaeology
These discoveries come as part of Egypt’s broader efforts to boost tourism by showcasing its ancient treasures. Recent archaeological finds, including painted wooden coffins at Saqqara and a colossal Pharaonic statue in Cairo, underscore Egypt’s commitment to preserving and promoting its historical sites.
The discovery at Taposiris Magna not only enriches our understanding of ancient funerary customs but also highlights the enduring fascination with Egypt’s archaeological legacy. As researchers continue to unearth the past, each find brings us closer to piecing together the intricate tapestry of human history.
