Archaeological find reveals more than 2,000 mummified ram heads in the Temple of Ramses II
The discovery of more than 2,000 mummified rams’ heads in the Temple of Ramses II at Abydos in southern Egypt has been one of the most startling discoveries in archeology in recent times. . This discovery was made by a team of archaeologists from New York University who, during their investigations on this site famous for its temples and its necropolis, also exhumed mummies of other species such as sheep, dogs , goats, cows, gazelles and mongooses.
Mummified rams’ heads date back to the Ptolemaic dynasty and are said to have been used in religious ceremonies honoring the god Osiris. The ram was a sacred animal in Egyptian religion, as it was considered to represent the sun god Ra and was associated with fertility and regeneration. For this reason, their mummification was a common practice in ancient Egypt.
The discovery of these mummified ram heads in the Temple of Ramesses II is an indication of the important role this animal played in Egyptian culture and religion. Furthermore, it also suggests the existence of a complex system of religious rituals and ceremonies involving different species of animals.
He seeks to learn more about the beliefs of the ancient Egyptians.
According to the director of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Mostafa Waziri, these discoveries will make it possible to know more about the temple of Ramses II and the activities that took place between its construction – under the 6th dynasty of the Old Kingdom (between 2374 and 2140 BC)- and the Ptolemaic period (323 to 30 BC).
For Professor Sameh Iskandar, head of the American mission and quoted in the same press release, these rams’ heads are “offerings”, which indicate “a cult of Ramses II” celebrated centuries after his death.
In addition to the remains of mummified animals, the team discovered traces of a palace with walls about five meters thick dating from the Sixth Dynasty, as well as various statues, papyri, remains of centuries-old trees, leather clothes and shoes. 550 km south of Cairo, the site of Abydos is known for its temples, notably that of Seti I and its necropolises.
The exhumation of these mummies of different animals also provides a unique opportunity for archaeologists to study the technique and materials used in mummification in ancient Egypt. Studying these mummies can provide valuable insight into the lives and beliefs of ancient Egyptians.
Egyptian authorities regularly announce archaeological discoveries in recent times, described by some experts as announcement effects that have a political and economic rather than scientific significance.
Source: El Heraldo De Mexico
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