Building Interest in New Egyptian Tomb Discoveries
With so many Egyptian archaeological discoveries recently–all pretty impressive–there’s an impulse to present each to the public in an exciting way. Sometimes that’s a bit of a reach. However, this one offers intriguing details. The tomb of Mehtjetju, an Egyptian dignitary serving a sixth dynasty Pharaoh, boasts on the entrance to his funerary chapel that he had access to “sealed” documents (read “top secret”). Hence the mildly hyped post title, Egyptian tomb of a “Top Secret” dignitary.
Ancient “Top Secret” Access and Impressive Finds
The notion of an Egyptian dignitary’s tomb with “top secret” access isn’t exciting because of a hoard of documents that might be found inside. No one anticipates finding classified papyrus scrolls. This claim, or job description if you will, on the entrance to Mehtjetju’s funerary chapel promises impressive contents because of the man’s high status. He would have commissioned the best quality artisans and materials. The hieroglyphic inscriptions, paintings, and a relief of Mehtjetju show this excellence. The finds thus far raise expectations for future excavation seasons. Over time, archaeologists will move past the facade and into burial chamber–which may or may not include other family burials. In addition, the placement of the tomb next to the very first pyramid built, the step pyramid of Djoser, points to this tomb’s potential high status. Being next to the pyramid of a revered Pharaoh was spending eternity in the high rent district. (See photo at top of Djoser’s pyramid.)
One Last Twist
The currently excavated paintings offer a twist of interest. Part of the decoration isn’t finished. The artisan outlined a man beside a large antelope known as an oryx, but did not fill the design in. My fiction-writing imagination wants to know what happened there. In addition, it adds some tension to the future finds. If some ancient artisan failed to complete this detail, what will come to light as archaeologists dig the full burial chamber? For the full discussion and dating of this tomb, read “Tomb of ancient Egyptian dignitary who read top secret documents discovered” in LiveScience.
Here for a post about the sacred portal of an Egyptian woman’s tomb.