Archaeologists discover rare 4,000-year-old frescoes in Egyptian pyramid
In the pyramid, unusual frescoes were discovered (collage: RBC-Ukraine)
In the Egyptian pyramid necropolis, archaeologists have discovered colorful frescoes of the daily life of aristocrats in ancient Egypt. According to scientists, these paintings are approximately 4,300 years old, reports CNN.
What is known about the discovery
The frescoes were found at the Dahshur pyramid necropolis, located 40 kilometers south of Cairo. This is the southernmost of the major necropolises of the Pyramids of the Old Kingdom in the vicinity of the ancient capital of Memphis. The main attractions are two large pyramids of King Sneferu: the so-called Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid.
The tomb is made of unfired mud brick and measures approximately 8 meters by 12 meters. It has seven burial shafts, as well as another shaft for ceramic bowls and other items used in burial rituals.
According to inscriptions on the door, the tomb belonged to a person named Senebnef, who served in the administration of the residents of the palace district, as well as his wife Idut.
Scientists suggest that the tomb dates back to the end of the Fifth or the beginning of the Sixth Dynasty - around 2300 BCE.
Dahshur Pyramid Necropolis (photo: St.J.Seidlmayer/DAIK)
"The corridor and the cult chamber were decorated with subtle paintings on mud plaster - a rarity in the necropolis of Dahshur. Despite extensive destruction, numerous images have been preserved. They show pictures of the tomb owner and his wife in front of the offering table, scenes from daily life - donkeys on the threshing floor, ships on the Nile, a marketplace - and servants who bring gifts for the mortuary cult," says the expedition leader Stefan Seidlmayer.
He says that the elegant forms and perfect execution of the frescoes are evidence of the artistic environment of the developed Old Kingdom capital region.
Inscriptions showed that the tomb owner held several positions in the royal palace in the administration of tenants, and his wife held the titles of Priestess of Hathor and Lady of the Sycamore.
Frescoes that are over 4,300 years old (photo: St.J.Seidlmayer/DAIK)
The German Archaeological Institute of Cairo has been excavating in Dahshur since 1976. Initially, they studied the pyramids of King Sneferu from the Old Kingdom and King Amenemhat III from the Middle Kingdom.
However, the recent excavations focused on the tombs of great statesmen, priests, and administrators from the same eras.
Currently, archaeologists continue excavations at this site, trying to uncover more secrets of this locality.
Frescoes that are over 4,300 years old (photo: St.J.Seidlmayer/DAIK)
