A tomb made of mud bricks based on the old Mastaba technology, vaulted and with an underground burial space, was recently discovered by archaeologists who were pleasantly surprised when they realized they had found the lost tomb of a… wizard. Or was he a doctor?
As the two qualities were not far apart in ancient civilizations, archaeologists began to investigate the tomb almost frantically. After all, it was a whole mound, inside which was the tomb.
The discovery was made on the southern side of the archaeological zone of the Sahara, which is known for the tombs of high officials of the Old Kingdom of Egypt. There a joint Franco-Swiss archaeological team realized they had found the tomb of a doctor named Teti Neb Fu. This person lived during the reign of Pharaoh Pepi II. Teti was one of the rulers of the Sixth Dynasty, and held prestigious titles related to his prominent duties in the royal court.
His tomb stands out for its wealth of architectural and artistic details. Among the highlights are a false door, decorated with inscriptions and carvings depicting scenes from artistic life and many offerings.
According to Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, secretary general of the supreme council of antiquities, this discovery offers valuable information on the culture and practices of the time, especially in relation to its role in the medicine and religion of the Old Kingdom.
Teti Neb Fu, owner of the mastaba, held high positions in the society of his time. Some of his prominent titles were “the Grand Physician of the Palace”, “Priest of the Goddess Selket” and “Wizard of the Goddess Selket”*.
His last title suggests that he was an expert in the treatment of bites from poisonous snakes and scorpions, showing the advanced medical knowledge of the time.
In addition, Teti Neb Fu was known as the “Great Dentist” and the “Director of Medicinal Plants”, indicating that he led studies and practical applications in the fields of dentistry and the use of medicinal herbs.
The findings of the excavation
The mastaba, although captured in antiquity, still retains many of its decorative elements intact. According to Dr. Philippe Collombert, the head of the archaeological expedition, the walls are decorated with exquisite inscriptions and reliefs, including an elaborate bust bearing the titles and name of the owner.
One of the most impressive elements is the roof, painted red to resemble granite bricks, a common material in monumental constructions. In the center of the ceiling is engraved the name and titles of the doctor.
Another important find inside the mastaba, is a stone sarcophagus, the interior of which is decorated with hieroglyphs that provide additional evidence of Teti Neb Fu and his exploits.
The excavation is part of the program launched in 2022 by the Franco-Swiss team in an area south of the burial structures of Pharaoh Pepi I, another prominent ruler of the Sixth Dynasty, and the tombs of his wives. During the early phase of this project, the team discovered the mastaba of the famous vizier Uni, known for one of the longest autobiographies recorded in hieroglyphic inscriptions.
This autobiography narrates in detail his political and administrative exploits. It is located in the secondary mound at Abydos, in the city of Shohag, Egypt.
The discovery of Teti Neb Fu’s tomb reinforces the importance of the Sahara as a focal point for the archaeological understanding of Old Kingdom life and culture.
This area, which hosts the Pyramid of Pharaoh Djoser, was a huge necropolis of officials, priests and doctors. It continues to reveal secrets that shed light on the advanced level of social, religious and scientific developments recorded in society then, over 4,000 years in the past.
The future of excavation
The archaeological team will continue to work in the area, aiming to uncover more structures and artifacts that will allow a more detailed reconstruction of the history of high-ranking officials in the Old Kingdom.
Dr. Khaled, emphasized that these discoveries, in addition to enriching historical knowledge, contribute to the promotion of cultural tourism in Egypt, consolidating the global importance of the archaeological heritage.
*Selket (or Serket, also in Greek Selkis) is the goddess of Egyptian mythology for the treatment of poisonous bites, while initially there was the deification of the scorpion. Selket was also seen as the patroness of the dead
Source: www.enikos.gr
