Czech Archaeologists Discover Huge Tomb in Egypt

Czech Egyptologists have discovered the limestone grave of a high-ranking official from the middle of the fifth dynasty “a custodian of royal affairs” identified as Kaire, whose name had been carved into the wall at the Abusir necropolis.

The Fifth Dynasty, along with the Third, Fourth and Sixth Dynasties from the Old Kingdom, dates back to between 2494 and 2345 BC.

The Czech research team under the direction of archaeologist Miroslav Bárta has also discovered a halved granite sculpture. It proves that ancient Egyptians placed statues into their burial chambers, a question they have been trying to answer for years. The statue sits on a chair wearing a short dress and a wig.

Kaires’ titles place him at the level of the viziers (prime ministers) of the time.

The complex of Kaires extends over an area of over 500 m2, and besides the tomb itself contains several other rooms which served for the funerary cult and the ritual purification of the priests before they could enter the tomb. 

Egypt, one of the most ancient civilizations, has been working hard to preserve its archaeological heritage and discover the secrets of its ancient antiquities in a bid to revive the country’s ailing tourism sector.

Tourism has suffered an acute recession over the past few years because of political turmoil and relevant security issues.

Author: red