Archaeologists from the Czech Institute of Egyptology at Charles University in Prague have made a significant discovery during excavations at the Abusir archaeological site in Egypt. The team uncovered a well-preserved tomb belonging to an ancient Egyptian dignitary named Djehutyemhat, a royal scribe who lived during the turbulent period of the 6th and 5th centuries BCE. The tomb and sarcophagus of Dzhehutiemhat. Credit: Petr Košárek, Czech Institute of Egyptology at Charles University in Prague This newly discovered tomb, described as “richly decorated,” is located in the western part of Abusir, serving as a cemetery for high-ranking officials and military commanders from ancient Egypt’s 26th and 27th dynasties. The burial site, dating back to the middle of the 1st millennium BCE, was identified by archaeologists led by Miroslav Bárta. Djehutyemhat’s tomb, a medium-sized shaft, offers information about the historical changes occurring in Egypt during the mentioned period. The dignitary’s role as a royal scribe is highlighted. According to the Czech Institute archaeologists, the individual lived during a turbulent period in ancient Egyptian history when the region was invaded by Persian forces. An engraving of the Egyptian god Banebdjedet on one side of the sarcophagus. Credit: Petr Košárek, Czech Institute of Egyptology at Charles University in Prague The tomb’s upper section, which was above ground, had suffered destruction in antiquity. However, the burial chamber, located almost 50 feet below ground, revealed intricate details of ancient Egyptian burial practices. The northern wall of the chamber is covered with spells aimed at protecting against snake bites, indicating the prevalent threat of venomous snakes during that era. Strikingly, these spells portrayed snakes not only as dangerous but also as powerful protectors of the deceased and their mummy.
