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Time of India
4 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
3,500-year-old Egyptian ‘Book of the Dead' discovered in untouched tomb
Representative Image- Book of the dead Egypt has always been a place surrounded by myths and legendary tales, with its beliefs about the afterlife, elaborate burial rituals, and iconic artifacts found through archaeological evidence during excavations. Recently, archaeologists working in central Egypt uncovered a burial ground from the New Kingdom era, dating roughly 3,500 years ago, that seems to carry secrets yet untold. A rare papyrus was found in a New Kingdom cemetery In Egypt's Tuna al‑Gebel or Al‑Ghuraifa region, archaeologists discovered a cemetery dating to the New Kingdom, which was circa 1550–1070 BC. Among the grave findings was a papyrus scroll, estimated at 43 to 49 feet long, and it is believed to contain part of the Book of the Dead. This is the first complete papyrus found in that area and is described as being in notably good condition, according to Mustafa Waziri, secretary general of the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities, who said this in a translated Arabic statement from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. Why is this scroll important? Finding pieces or shorter versions of the Book of the Dead isn't unusual for archaeologists, but discovering a full scroll still resting in the same grave where it was buried thousands of years ago? That's very rare. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Rates Undo According to Live Science, Foy Scalf, an Egyptologist from the University of Chicago, said this detail is especially important because it's not often you find one in its original burial spot. Lara Weiss from the Roemer and Pelizaeus Museum also praised the discovery, calling it 'certainly a great and interesting find,' especially because of how long and well-preserved the scroll is. Representative Image- Book of the dead What is the Book of the Dead The Book of the Dead, more commonly called The Book of Going Forth by Day, was like a spiritual guidebook for ancient Egyptians. It was filled with spells, prayers, and pictures meant to help someone's soul find its way through the afterlife, to safely reach Osiris, the god of the dead, and join him in the next world. Egyptians started using these texts around 1550 BC, during the New Kingdom, and they stayed important for centuries, even into the Ptolemaic period, long after. Other important discoveries at the site Representative Image- Book of the dead The site had more than just the scroll. Archaeologists also found mummies within wooden and stone coffins, over 25,000 ushabti statues or Mini servant statues buried to help in the afterlife, canopic jars, and thousands of amulets and ornaments. Among them was also the coffin of Ta‑de‑Isa, daughter of a high priest, accompanied by her canopic vessels and complete ushabti set. What this could reveal about ancient Egypt Because Book of the Dead manuscripts evolved over centuries and varied from one copy to another, this scroll could provide fresh information about funerary beliefs, variations in spells, and personal expressions of faith.
Watani
3 days ago
- General
- Watani
Ancient Coptic city unearthed in Western Desert
An Egyptian archaeological mission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) has unveiled a significant discovery in the heart of the Western Desert of the remains of the central residential city of Kharga Oasis, dating back to the early Coptic (Egyptian Christian) period that extended from the first to the 8th century AD—a period during which Egypt was under Roman and Arab rule ; the Arabs conquered Egypt in 640. Located in Ain al-Kharab archaeological site some 5km north of the city of all-Kharga, the unearthed ancient city offers rare insight into Egypt's transition to Christianity. Among the findings are the ruins of residential structures, churches, and cemeteries, also a mural depicting Christ healing a sick person. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, described the discovery as a testament to the depth and diversity of Egyptian civilisation during one of its most transformative periods. 'This find enriches our understanding of religious transition in Egypt,' he said. 'This discovery is considered a valuable window into early Christian life in Egypt,' asserted Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the SCA. 'Kharga Oasis played a key role as a religious and social hub throughout many historical periods,' he said. Mr Khaled explained that the unearthed structures include mudbrick homes with plastered walls, service areas fitted with ovens, and storage spaces containing large fixed pottery jars once used for preserving food and grain. The mission also recovered ostraca, pottery fragments, glass and stone artefacts, burial remains, and a vivid mural illustrating Christ performing a healing miracle. Findings from previous excavation seasons, Mr Khaled added, indicate that the site was used continuously throughout several centuries. Roman-era buildings were later adapted for use during the early Coptic period and again in the Islamic era. Seham Ismail, Director General of Antiquities in Kharga and head of the mission, revealed that the team also uncovered the remains of two churches. One, she explained, is a large basilica-style church featuring a central hall flanked by two aisles, separated by rows of square columns, with service buildings to the south. The second church is smaller, she said, rectangular in shape, with remnants of seven exterior columns and Coptic inscriptions still visible on its interior walls. Additional service structures were found on its western side. According to archaeology expert Abdel-Rehim Rihan, member of the SCA's History and Antiquities Commission, al-Kharga Oasis some 600km southwest Cairo, saw large incoming waves of Christians in the 3rd century AD, apparently fleeing to Kharga from Roman persecution. The numbers swelled to the point where the Alexandria Church installed a Bishop in Kharga. Christians were able to practise their faith and worship freely there, far from the eyes of the Roman authorities. They left behind towns, churches, cemeteries, and monasteries. The famous Bagawat necropolis in Kharga, believed to be the cemetery of the recently discovered city, is considered one of the oldest and best-preserved Christian cemeteries in the world. It dates back to the 3rd to 7th centuries AD and contains hundreds of mud-brick tombs, some with elaborate frescoes depicting biblical scenes. Comments comments Tags: Ancient Coptic city in Kharga OasisSanaa' Farouk
See - Sada Elbalad
5 days ago
- General
- See - Sada Elbalad
Discovery of a Mural Depicting Christ Healing the Sick in Egypt's Kharga Oasis
Ali abo deshish The Egyptian archaeological mission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities, working in the area of Ain el-Kharab in the Islamic and Coptic Antiquities zone of Kharga Oasis in the New Valley Governorate, has uncovered the remains of the main residential city of Kharga Oasis. The discovery dates back to the transitional period from paganism to Christianity. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Mr. Sherif Fathy, stated that the discovery reflects the richness and diversity of Egypt's ancient civilization during pivotal and influential historical periods. He emphasized that the find enhances our understanding of Egypt's religious transformation and highlights the cultural and religious tolerance that characterized Egyptian heritage. The minister also reaffirmed the ministry's full support for archaeological missions across the country and praised the achievements of Egyptian teams in strengthening Egypt's position on the global cultural tourism map. Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, stressed the significance of the discovery, as it sheds light on an important phase in the history of Kharga Oasis — the early Coptic period in Egypt. He emphasized the historical importance of Egypt's western oases as centers of religious and social life across different eras. The mission uncovered the remains of an entire city, including residential buildings made of mudbrick with some walls covered in plaster, service areas with ovens for daily use, mudbrick storage facilities, and large pottery jars embedded in the ground for storing grains and food. A variety of artifacts were also found, including ostraca, pottery vessels, stone and glass fragments, and several burials. Most notably, a mural depicting Christ healing a sick person was discovered. Dr. Seham Ismail, Director-General of Kharga Antiquities and head of the mission, added that remains of two churches were also uncovered. One of them, built in the basilica style from mudbrick, includes stone foundation remains indicating it once had a large central hall with two side aisles separated by three square columns on each side. To the south of the church lies a cluster of service buildings. The second church is smaller, rectangular in shape, and surrounded by the remains of seven external columns. Some of its interior walls are adorned with Coptic inscriptions. To its west, additional service buildings were discovered. She noted that most of the structures uncovered during previous excavation seasons show that the site was used across several historical periods. Roman-era buildings were repurposed during the early Coptic period and again in the Islamic period. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
Al-Ahram Weekly
6 days ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
An early Coptic city unveiled in Egypt's Western Desert - Coptic
An Egyptian archaeological mission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) has unveiled a significant discovery in the heart of the Western Desert of the remains of the central residential city of Kharga Oasis, dating back to the early Coptic period. Located in the Ain al-Kharab archaeological site within the Islamic and Coptic archaeological zone, the city offers rare insight into Egypt's transition from paganism to Christianity. Among the findings are the ruins of residential structures, churches, and cemeteries, as well as a mural depicting Christ healing a sick person. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, described the discovery as a testament to the depth and diversity of Egyptian civilisation during one of its most transformative periods. "This find enriches our understanding of religious transition in Egypt and highlights the values of tolerance and cultural diversity deeply rooted in our history," he said. He reaffirmed the Ministry's continued support for archaeological missions nationwide and commended the achievements of Egyptian teams working to enhance Egypt's global standing as a cultural tourism destination. "This discovery is considered as a valuable window into early Christian life in Egypt," asserted Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the SCA. He emphasised the importance of the find in shedding light on the beginnings of the Coptic era in Egypt. "Kharga Oasis played a key role as a religious and social hub throughout many historical periods, and this discovery further confirms its significance," Khaled stated. He explained that the unearthed structures include mudbrick homes with plastered walls, service areas equipped with daily-use ovens, and storage spaces containing large, fixed pottery jars once used for preserving food and grain. The mission also recovered ostraca, pottery fragments, glass and stone artefacts, burial remains, and a vivid mural illustrating Christ performing a healing miracle. Seham Ismail, Director General of Antiquities in Kharga and head of the mission, revealed that the team also uncovered the remains of two churches. One is a large basilica-style church featuring a central hall flanked by two aisles, separated by rows of square columns, with service buildings lying to its south. The second church is smaller, rectangular in shape, with remnants of seven exterior columns and Coptic inscriptions still visible on its interior walls. Additional service structures were found on its western side. Ismail added that findings from previous excavation seasons indicate that the site was used continuously across several historical eras. Roman-era buildings were later adapted for use during the early Coptic period and again in the Islamic era — a testament to the region's long-standing role as a centre of life and continuity. This latest discovery further cements Egypt's Western Oases' status as historical treasures and reinforces the country's enduring significance in the region's religious and cultural narrative. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Watani
21-07-2025
- Watani
Giza pyramids get new eco-friendly interior lighting
The three Giza pyramids of Khufo, Khafre, Mankaure have been fitted with new state-of-the-art, eco friendly LED interior lighting systems. The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities' Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) collaborated with the Spanish government to upgrade the pyramids' lighting systems to a new one that highlights the grandeur and genius of the interior design of the pyramids. Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, said that the lighting project serves the Ministry's purpose to improve the quality of services provided in archeological sites and museums, while improving visitor experience and enhancing the beauty of Egyptian monuments. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the SCA, explained that the new eco friendly lighting system depends on cold lighting units that are completely safe for the original ancient architectural components used in the pyramids. He said it provides a unique visual experience for visitors, highlighting the aesthetics of ancient Egyptian architecture and its legendary accuracy in monuments built to glorify immortality, a cornerstone of the faith of ancient Egyptians. The lighting project, Dr Khaled noted, was implemented by a team of archeologists and specialised engineers from Spain, after completing all the necessary scientific and technical studies. For his part, Director General of Giza Antiquities Ashraf Mohieddine explained that the lighting project covered all the interior corridors of the three pyramids, in addition to the burial chambers, escalation passages and internal chambers. Comments comments Tags: Giza pyramids interior eco friendly lighting
