A Remarkable Find in Middle Egypt
In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists in Egypt have unearthed 13 ancient mummies adorned with golden tongues and gilded fingernails in a 2,000-year-old burial site. This astonishing find, made in middle Egypt’s Behnese region, offers a rare glimpse into the funerary practices of the Ptolemaic period (304 BC – 30 BC).
The Mystery of the Golden Tongues
The presence of golden tongue amulets is not entirely new in Egyptian archaeology—similar artifacts were previously uncovered in Oxyrhynchus. However, the discovery of 13 in a single location is unprecedented. Experts believe these golden prosthetics were inserted to enable the deceased to communicate with Osiris, the god of the underworld, in the afterlife. This practice highlights the deep spiritual beliefs surrounding the journey beyond death in ancient Egyptian culture.
Gilded Fingernails: A Unique Discovery
While golden tongues have been found before, the inclusion of gilded fingernails is unique to this excavation. The reason behind this adornment remains a mystery, but it could signify the high social status of the individuals or serve a ritualistic function linked to rebirth and divinity.
Unearthing a Trove of Buried Treasures
The discovery was made at the bottom of a burial shaft, where archaeologists uncovered dozens of mummified bodies. Alongside the golden tongues and nails, the team also found 29 golden amulets, some shaped like scarabs, an important symbol in ancient Egyptian mythology representing protection and transformation.
A stunning wall painting was also revealed within the burial chamber, depicting several deities, including Nut, the sky goddess, surrounded by stars. This intricate artwork provides further insight into the burial practices and religious iconography of the period.
Elite Burials and Temple Associations
According to Salima Ikram, an Egyptology professor at the American University in Cairo, the high number of golden tongues suggests that these individuals were likely members of the elite class. “Possibly, the bodies belong to higher elites that were associated with the temple and animal cults that proliferated in the area,” she suggested.
A Window into the Ptolemaic Era
This remarkable discovery at Oxyrhynchus, a city located about 100 miles southwest of Cairo, sheds light on the burial customs of the Ptolemaic period. The presence of such opulent funerary items suggests that these individuals held significant religious or social status. The find underscores the enduring fascination with the ancient Egyptian afterlife and its intricate rituals.
As archaeologists continue to analyze the findings, these 13 golden-tongued mummies will undoubtedly deepen our understanding of one of history’s most enigmatic civilizations.
