Category Archives: AFRICA

A Remarkable Discovery from a Gaza Shipwreck: Olive Pits from 1100 Years Ago

A Remarkable Discovery from a Gaza Shipwreck: Olive Pits from 1100 Years Ago

A Remarkable Discovery from a Gaza Shipwreck: Olive Pits from 1100 Years Ago

The recent underwater excavations off the coast of Türkiye have unveiled an extraordinary find that has captivated scientists: olive pits from a shipwreck that sank 1100 years ago. This vessel, which set sail from the Gaza coast of Palestine, was caught in a storm near Antalya and ultimately met its fate beneath the waves.

Assoc. Prof. Hakan Öniz and his team found olive pits that had never been encountered before in underwater excavations off the coast of Türkiye.

As part of the ‘Heritage to the Future Project’ initiated by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hakan Öniz and his team began their underwater excavations at a depth of approximately 45-50 meters near Besmi Island, off the coast of Kaş district in Antalya in 2024.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Öniz, who heads the Department of Conservation and Repair of Cultural Assets at Akdeniz University’s Faculty of Fine Arts, explained that their work is part of a broader initiative to establish an Underwater Archaeology Museum in Kemer district.

This project aims not only to conduct scientific research but also to exhibit the artifacts recovered from these underwater sites. He noted that their excavation efforts can span up to 12 months, and they have recently focused on the wreck at Besmi Island, which, while known and accessible to tourists, is situated at a depth that limits diving access.

The shipwreck, dating back to the 9th-10th century A.D., is particularly intriguing due to its cargo. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Öniz revealed that they have identified the wreck as a Philistine ship, loaded with olive oil from Gaza.

He remarked, “1100 years ago, this region was renowned for its olive production. While Gaza often evokes negative associations today, we hope for a brighter future.

This ship, transporting olive oil in amphorae, encountered a storm off the coast of Kaş, struck a small rock or island, and sank.

The wreck is fascinating not only because of its depth but also due to its cargo. In ancient times, ships primarily carried olive oil and wine, but what we discovered from one of the amphorae was truly remarkable.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Öniz emphasized that amphorae from different regions had distinct characteristics, allowing them to ascertain that this shipwreck originated from Palestine based on the amphora typology found within.

A First for Turkey: Unique Finds from the Wreck

The team was particularly excited by the discoveries made within one of the amphorae. “These finds, although known in literature, have never been encountered in amphorae in Turkey before,” he stated.

Using underwater robots, they successfully brought the amphorae to the surface, and over the past year, they have been conducting deep-water excavations. Among the finds were olive pits, a significant discovery that adds to the historical narrative.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Öniz highlighted the importance of olives as a staple food for sailors in antiquity. “For about 5,000 years, olives have been a vital source of sustenance for Mediterranean sailors since the Bronze Age,” he explained.

He noted that sailors required food that could withstand long voyages without spoiling, and olives stored in amphorae could remain edible for months, even when submerged in seawater. Additionally, ships often carried live animals and wheat, which could be processed into flour and baked into bread onboard.

He underscored that most underwater archaeological studies in Turkey are conducted by Akdeniz University, and the olive pits found in this wreck represent a first for the Turkish coast. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Öniz concluded by stating that these remarkable finds will be displayed at the Mediterranean Water Archaeology Museum in Kemer, where the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is preparing to lay the foundation.

World’s Oldest Arrow Poison Discovered in South Africa, Dating Back 7,000 Years

World’s Oldest Arrow Poison Discovered in South Africa, Dating Back 7,000 Years

World’s Oldest Arrow Poison Discovered in South Africa, Dating Back 7,000 Years

In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists excavating Kruger Cave in South Africa have identified what may be the oldest confirmed multi-component arrow poison in the world, dating back 7,000 years.

The femur bone of an unspecified antelope, found during a 1983 excavation, contained three modified bone arrowheads embedded in its marrow cavity.

After lying in storage at the University of the Witwatersrand for nearly four decades, renewed archaeological investigations in 2022 prompted scientists to re-examine the femur and its contents.

A team from the University of Johannesburg, led by Associate professor Justin Bradfield focused on organic materials, conducted a detailed analysis of the chemical matrix surrounding the arrowheads.

The research revealed a complex recipe combining at least two toxic plant ingredients, including cardiac glycosides known to disrupt heart function. Notably, digitoxin and strophanthidin were identified, alongside ricinoleic acid, a by-product of the toxic lectin ricin.

The presence of these compounds suggests that ancient peoples were adept at mixing various plant toxins to create effective hunting poisons.

Interestingly, none of the plant species containing these toxins are native to the Kruger Cave area, indicating that the ingredients may have been sourced from distant locations or through established trade networks.

This finding challenges previous assumptions about the movement of non-domestic plants in southern Africa during this period.

Recent findings have revealed that the long-distance transport of non-domestic plants in Africa may have occurred much earlier than previously thought.

While researchers have long known that the transport of seashells as ornaments and currency was common throughout the continent well before 7,000 years ago, the movement of non-native plants at such an early date was unexpected.

There is faded rock art at the site (one of only seven rock art sites in the Magaliesberg), some of which was recorded by Harold Pager who worked at the site in the 1970s. He recorded 57 images painted on the walls, mostly human figures but also some animals and birds. Very few painted images are visible now. Photo Credit: The South African Archaeological Society

This discovery highlights the advanced knowledge of ancient peoples regarding plant acquisition and usage. The ability to identify which plants to gather, where to locate them, and how to utilize them effectively underscores the depth of traditional pharmacological knowledge systems that have existed for millennia.

This insight not only reshapes our understanding of ancient trade practices but also emphasizes the sophistication of early human societies in their interactions with the natural world.

The study also highlights the significance of traditional pharmacological knowledge among ancient populations, as well as the potential of archaeobotany and organic chemistry to enhance our understanding of historical practices.

The ability to create complex recipes for poisons, adhesives, and medicines reflects advanced cognitive capacities of the makers.

This discovery adds to the growing body of evidence regarding the use of poisons in hunting technology, which has been documented across various cultures worldwide.

The findings at Kruger Cave illuminate ancient hunting practices while also demonstrating the advanced understanding of natural resource utilization by early human societies.

Ancient Mastaba Tomb of Royal Physician “Magician of the Goddess Selket” discovered in Sakkara

Ancient Mastaba Tomb of Royal Physician “Magician of the Goddess Selket” discovered in Sakkara

Ancient Mastaba Tomb of Royal Physician “Magician of the Goddess Selket” discovered in Sakkara

In the southern region of the Saqqara archaeological site, a joint French-Swiss archaeological team made an important discovery uncovering the mastaba tomb of the royal physician Teti Neb Fu from the Old Kingdom, according to a statement by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

This tomb, unearthed in the southern region of the archaeological site of Saqqara, known to contain the tombs of high-ranking officials from the Egyptian Old Kingdom, shows that medicine and magic were once equally revered, and expertise in both earned a long-dead physician to the pharaohs a place of honor among the ancient world’s most esteemed.

Dating back over 4,000 years to the reign of King Pepi II, this important find features exquisite carvings and vibrant artwork, including a painted false door and elaborate scenes depicting funeral offerings.

The sarcophagus found inside the tomb was also inscribed with the name of its occupant and his titles, according to the post. Because of the burial location in Saqqara, researchers knew he was important, but Teti Neb Fu’s official titles named him as the chief palace physician.

Teti Neb Fu, who held prestigious titles such as Chief Palace Physician, Chief Dentist, and Director of Medicinal Plants, also had a unique role as a “Magician” of the Goddess Serket, specializing in the treatment of venomous bites.

Credit: Official Facebook page of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

Additionally, he was known as the “Great Physician of Teeth” and “Director of Medicinal Plants”, suggesting that he led research and practical applications in the fields of dentistry and the use of therapeutic herbs.

Even though it may have been looted in the past, the mastaba still has many of its ornamental features.

The director of the archaeological mission, Dr. Philippe Collombert, said the walls are decorated with remarkable reliefs and inscriptions, including a complex frieze that displays the owner’s name and titles.

Among the most remarkable elements is the red-painted ceiling, which is intended to resemble granite blocks, a material commonly found in imposing buildings.

The titles and name of the doctor are also written in the middle of the ceiling. An additional noteworthy discovery within the mastaba is a stone sarcophagus, which has hieroglyphic decorations inside that offer more information about Teti Neb Fu and his accomplishments.

Inscriptions on the sarcophagus and art in the tomb showed the person buried there was once a powerful physician to the king. Credit: Official Facebook page of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

Mohamed Ismail Khaled, secretary-general of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, emphasized the importance of this discovery, stating that the texts and drawings on the tomb’s walls unveil new insights into the daily life of the Old Kingdom.

This discovery strengthens Saqqara’s position as one of Egypt’s most important historical sites and contributes to its rich archaeological legacy.

Excavations in this area of Saqarra began in 2022, to unearth the graves of state employees for King Pepi who are buried near him and his wives, officials said.

Golden Tongues and Nails discovered on mummies from the Ptolemaic Period in Egypt

Golden Tongues and Nails discovered on mummies from the Ptolemaic Period in Egypt

Archaeologists have uncovered tombs decorated with colorful inscriptions and ritual scenes, as well as unusual mummies and unique funerary objects, including 13 striking golden tongues and nails, at the Al-Bahnasa archaeological site in Egypt’s Minya governorate.

The Oxyrhynchus Archaeological Mission, led by the Institute of Ancient Near East Studies of the University of Barcelona (IPOA), under the direction of Ignasi-Xavier Adiego, has concluded its latest campaign with unique remains, which allow us to deepen our knowledge of funerary practices, religious life and monastic activity in Ancient Egypt.

Among the notable firsts, these are the first human remains and the first texts and ritual scenes of goddesses of their kind in the Al-Bahansa region. These artifacts, along with elaborate burial customs, provide valuable insights into Ptolemaic religious beliefs.

Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, described the findings as “a major addition to the history of the region,” emphasizing their uniqueness to the Al-Bahnasa area.

Excavations at the discovery site.

Among the most remarkable discoveries are 52 Ptolemaic period mummies, 13 of which had golden tongues in their mouths, symbolizing preparation for the afterlife. One mummy had two golden tongues, and another’s fingernails were adorned with a gold plate.

Recovered from the same location were valuable items like a terracotta of the god Harpocrates, amulets featuring Egyptian deities like Thoth, Isis, and Horus, and a heart scarab in its original position.

Excavations also revealed the structure of a Ptolemaic-era tomb containing some 300 mummies. This tomb, with three burial chambers and a vaulted ceiling, is remarkable for its walls decorated with texts and polychrome scenes depicting funerary rituals and divine figures such as Anubis, Osiris, Atum, and Nut.

Some of these amulets combined the symbolism of multiple deities, an unusual finding in the region. In addition, four limestone sarcophagi have been discovered in the same context.

Dr. Esther Pons Mellado, the Spanish mission leader, explained that one of the discovered tombs includes a rectangular well leading to a main room with three funerary chambers.

One of the panels with decoration found, the boat of Ra.

According to Dr. Esther Pons Mellado, the Spanish mission leader, these chambers contained dozens of mummies, arranged meticulously, suggesting communal burial practices.

Another burial shaft led to similarly decorated chambers, one of which belonged to an individual identified as “Wen Nefer.” On one of its walls, the tomb owner is depicted with his family offering offerings to deities such as Anubis, Osiris, Atum, and Horus.

The ceiling is decorated with the goddess Nut, surrounded by stars and sacred boats carrying deities like Khepri, Ra, and Atum, against a bright blue background.

Set of amulets and gold scarabs.

The presence of a thin layer of gold on the face of a mummy, depicted as if embalmed by the god Anubis, demonstrates the delicate nature of the funerary work.

Figures of the goddesses Isis and Nephthys have the same golden finish. The tomb also housed four limestone sarcophagi.

The mission also noted that earlier excavations had already found a Byzantine basilica, a temple devoted to Osiris, and tombs from the Saite, Greco-Roman, and Roman periods.

Golden Tongues and Nails discovered on mummies from the Ptolemaic Period in Egypt

Golden Tongues and Nails discovered on mummies from the Ptolemaic Period in Egypt

Archaeologists have uncovered tombs decorated with colorful inscriptions and ritual scenes, as well as unusual mummies and unique funerary objects, including 13 striking golden tongues and nails, at the Al-Bahnasa archaeological site in Egypt’s Minya governorate.

The Oxyrhynchus Archaeological Mission, led by the Institute of Ancient Near East Studies of the University of Barcelona (IPOA), under the direction of Ignasi-Xavier Adiego, has concluded its latest campaign with unique remains, which allow us to deepen our knowledge of funerary practices, religious life and monastic activity in Ancient Egypt.

Among the notable firsts, these are the first human remains and the first texts and ritual scenes of goddesses of their kind in the Al-Bahansa region. These artifacts, along with elaborate burial customs, provide valuable insights into Ptolemaic religious beliefs.

Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, described the findings as “a major addition to the history of the region,” emphasizing their uniqueness to the Al-Bahnasa area.

Excavations at the discovery site.

Among the most remarkable discoveries are 52 Ptolemaic period mummies, 13 of which had golden tongues in their mouths, symbolizing preparation for the afterlife. One mummy had two golden tongues, and another’s fingernails were adorned with a gold plate.

Recovered from the same location were valuable items like a terracotta of the god Harpocrates, amulets featuring Egyptian deities like Thoth, Isis, and Horus, and a heart scarab in its original position.

Excavations also revealed the structure of a Ptolemaic-era tomb containing some 300 mummies. This tomb, with three burial chambers and a vaulted ceiling, is remarkable for its walls decorated with texts and polychrome scenes depicting funerary rituals and divine figures such as Anubis, Osiris, Atum, and Nut.

Some of these amulets combined the symbolism of multiple deities, an unusual finding in the region. In addition, four limestone sarcophagi have been discovered in the same context.

Dr. Esther Pons Mellado, the Spanish mission leader, explained that one of the discovered tombs includes a rectangular well leading to a main room with three funerary chambers.

One of the panels with decoration found, the boat of Ra.

According to Dr. Esther Pons Mellado, the Spanish mission leader, these chambers contained dozens of mummies, arranged meticulously, suggesting communal burial practices.

Another burial shaft led to similarly decorated chambers, one of which belonged to an individual identified as “Wen Nefer.” On one of its walls, the tomb owner is depicted with his family offering offerings to deities such as Anubis, Osiris, Atum, and Horus.

The ceiling is decorated with the goddess Nut, surrounded by stars and sacred boats carrying deities like Khepri, Ra, and Atum, against a bright blue background.

Set of amulets and gold scarabs.

The presence of a thin layer of gold on the face of a mummy, depicted as if embalmed by the god Anubis, demonstrates the delicate nature of the funerary work. Figures of the goddesses Isis and Nephthys have the same golden finish. The tomb also housed four limestone sarcophagi.

The mission also noted that earlier excavations had already found a Byzantine basilica, a temple devoted to Osiris, and tombs from the Saite, Greco-Roman, and Roman periods.

1.5-Million-year-old Footprints have Revealed the Co-Existence of two Ancient Human Species in Kenya

1.5-Million-year-old Footprints have Revealed the Co-Existence of two Ancient Human Species in Kenya

Thanks to a set of preserved footprints on the ancient shores of Lake Turkana in Kenya, researchers have uncovered the coexistence of two ancient human species more than a million years ago.

Estimated to be 1.5 million years old, fossilized footprints offer the first verifiable proof that Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei, two different hominin species, coexisted in the same habitat. In addition to confirming that these species coexisted, scientists say this discovery provides a unique window into how they interacted and competed in their environment.

The more recent term “hominin” refers to a subgroup of the broader group known as hominids. All living and extinct species regarded as belonging to the human lineage that developed following the split from the great apes’ ancestors are referred to as hominins. This is thought to have happened between six and seven million years ago.

In July 2021, researchers uncovered a hominin footprint alongside tracks made by other animals, such as large birds. A more detailed excavation in 2022 revealed a 12-print trackway and three isolated footprints, along with 94 nonhuman tracks from ancient birds and hoofed animals in Koobi Fora.

Craig Feibel, an author of the study and a professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences and Department of Anthropology in the Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences., used his expertise in stratigraphy and dating to establish that these footprints were formed 1.5 million years ago.

The footprints belong to two species from the Pleistocene: Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei. Although they were both bipedal and walked upright, they differed greatly in anatomy, indicating different behavioral and movement patterns.

A footprint hypothesized to have been created by a Paranthropus boisei individual.

He also determined that both sets of footprints were made within a few hours of each other, in soft sediments near the lake. While it is not possible to confirm if the two hominin groups interacted directly, it is clear that they shared the same habitat in a brief time interval.

Kevin Hatala, a biology professor at Chatham University, explained that the footprints were preserved in a “perfect zone of mud” near the lake’s edge, ensuring their survival under layers of fine sediment. “It’s hard to say exactly what they were doing,” he noted, “but they walked in the perfect area for their footprints to be made, which is very lucky for us.”

The species that left the footprints was determined by the researchers using comparative analysis and sophisticated 3D imaging. It was determined that Paranthropus boisei was responsible for the trackway of 12 prints, which featured a slightly spread big toe and a deeper forefoot strike. The three isolated footprints, on the other hand, were associated with Homo erectus because they showed a heel-to-toe motion resembling that of modern humans.

The footprints suggest that these species, with their differing diets and anatomical features, utilized the same habitat, possibly even crossing paths. Hatala emphasized that Paranthropus boisei, known for its robust jaws and plant-based diet, differed greatly from Homo erectus, which had a more human-like body and omnivorous diet.

The footprints are significant, Feibel said, because they fall into the category of “trace fossils” – which can include footprints, nests and burrows. Trace fossils are not part of an organism but offer evidence of behavior. Body fossils, such as bones and teeth, are evidence of past life, but are easily moved by  water or a predator. Trace fossils cannot be moved, Feibel said.

trackway of footprints hypothesized to have been created by a Paranthropus boisei individual.

A new understanding of early human evolution is provided by this discovery, which is the first tangible proof of direct coexistence between two hominin species. By suggesting intricate relationships that influenced their survival and adaptation, the findings cast doubt on the notion that hominin species avoided one another.

In addition to offering concrete proof of the coexistence of two hominin species, this discovery poses fascinating queries regarding their interactions in terms of culture and reproduction. Paranthropus boisei went extinct within a few hundred thousand years, while Homo erectus survived for another million years. The reasons behind this divergence in evolutionary fates are still unknown to scientists.

The findings of the study are published in the journal Science. DOI: 10.1126/science.ado5275

Researchers found evidence of the use of medicinal herbs in the Grotte des Pigeons Cave in Morocco dating back 15,000 years

Researchers found evidence of the use of medicinal herbs in the Grotte des Pigeons Cave in Morocco dating back 15,000 years

Morocco’s National Institute of Archaeology and Heritage has announced an important discovery that will enhance our understanding of ancient healing practices and shed light on humanity’s medical history.

Researchers have found evidence of the use of  medicinal herbs in the  Grotte des Pigeons Cave in Tafoughalt, dating back 15,000 years.

Since the cave of Taforalt, also known as the Grotte des Pigeons, discovered in 1908, there has been an ongoing series of excavations and researches at the site, which has provided archaeologists with new perspectives on the lives in prehistoric North Africa.

The site, which is regarded as North Africa’s oldest cemetery, was home to at least 34 Iberomaurusian skeletons from the later Stone Age (approximately 15,000 calendar years ago).

This new discovery highlights our ancestors’ inventiveness in using natural resources and deepens our understanding of ancient healing practices. The results of this important study were published in the journal Nature. The discovered herbs, particularly the “Ephedra” plant, form the cornerstone of this research.

In their study, the researchers investigated the presence and possible uses of Ephedra during the Late Pleistocene, based on the analysis of extraordinarily preserved plant macrofossils from archaeological deposits of about 15 thousand years old in a cave in northeastern Morocco.

Ephedra is a well-known medicinal plant, and the macro-remains of this plant associated with human activity discovered in this cave are the oldest ever recorded.

Ephedra plant’s fruits were found in a specific area of the cave, which was used for burial according to special funerary rituals. Direct radiocarbon dates on both Ephedra and the human remains indicate that they were contemporaneous.

Drawing showing location of in situ bones of Individual 14 (in blue), Barbary sheep horn core (in grey), stone with ochre (in dark grey and red), animal bones (in yellow), Ephedra cone bracts (as red spots), shell (as large green spot), limits of the burial pit (dotted line). Photo on the right side shows an archaeological Ephedra pair of cone bracts (author A. Freyne and J. Morales). Nature https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-77785

The researchers also interpreted the presence of Ephedra and its deposition at the burial site as evidence that this plant played an important role during funerary activities.

Studies indicate that human communities during that period relied on these herbs for therapeutic purposes, including treating colds and reducing bleeding.

It challenges accepted beliefs about the medical prowess of prehistoric people by proving that humans had comprehensive knowledge of how to benefit from plants 15,000 years ago.

Evidence of the oldest known surgical procedure was discovered in the same cave by earlier research, which found traces of surgery on a human skull. This suggests that the person who had the procedure survived and bore their suffering because of those herbs.

Research indicates that this procedure was carried out using sophisticated methods, suggesting a high level of medical knowledge.

This discovery is more than just an archaeological find; it provides a better understanding of human abilities to use herbs for medicine, reshaping our perspectives on ancestral traditions. Understanding how these people lived in harmony with nature and developed new ways to treat diseases demonstrates humanity’s adaptability and creativity.

Source: Morales, J., Carrión Marco, Y., Cooper, J.H. et al. Late Pleistocene exploitation of Ephedra in a funerary context in Morocco. Sci Rep 14, 26443 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-77785

The first and largest astronomical observatory of the 6th century BC discovered in Egypt’s Kafr El-Sheikh

The first and largest astronomical observatory of the 6th century BC discovered in Egypt’s Kafr El-Sheikh

The first and largest astronomical observatory of the 6th century BC discovered in Egypt’s Kafr El-Sheikh

Archaeologists in Egypt unveiled the first and largest astronomical observatory from the 6th century BCE in the Buto Temple at Tell El-Faraeen archaeological site located in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate.

The discovery was announced on the social media account of the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

The observatory, which was made of mud brick, was crucial for monitoring the movements of the sun and stars. This astounding discovery demonstrates the ancient Egyptians’ profound understanding of and proficiency with astronomy.

“It highlights the advanced astronomical knowledge of the ancient Egyptians, including their ability to determine the solar calendar and significant religious and agricultural dates,” said Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA).

The structure also gives an insight into the sophisticated techniques employed by the ancient Egyptians using simple tools, he added.

The place where the first and largest Egyptian astronomical observatory from the sixth century BC was found

The head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Ayman Ashmawy, said that the astronomical observatory building covers approximately 850 square meters.

It consists of an entrance facing east where the sun rises, he added, with a central columned hall open in the shape of the letter “L” preceded by a huge, high wall of mud bricks with an inward slope, resembling the style of the Egyptian edifice known in temple entrances.

Ashmawy said that the mission also found five mud brick rooms likely used to store tools, four small mud brick rooms, and a small stone room representing the observatory tower.

Some of the objects found in the astronomical observatory.

Among the key discoveries is a rare slanted stone sundial, referred to as a shadow clock, of its kind from that era. This sundial is made up of a 4.80-meter-long row of straight limestone slabs. On top were five flat blocks of limestone, two horizontal and three vertical.

These slabs most likely had inclined lines on them that were used to gauge the sun’s shadow and angle, which made it easier to track the sun’s movements throughout the day.

Archaeologists also discovered a stone fixed to the floor of a circular chamber inside the observatory and two additional circular stones used to measure the sun’s inclination.

Some of the objects found in the astronomical observatory.

The work uncovered numerous artifacts, including a statue from the 26th Dynasty, a Merkhet measuring tool, and various religious items and pottery related to daily life and rituals, the ministry said in a statement.

The discovery highlights the value of Egyptian archaeological efforts in revealing new facets of the nation’s rich past and offers deeper insights into the scientific and religious practices of the ancient Egyptians.