Archaeologists have made an incredible find in Egypt—a 4,000-year-old tomb belonging to “Idi,” the daughter of a local governor who lived during the Middle Kingdom of Egypt (around 2030–1640 B.C.). She was buried in a double sarcophagus, meaning a coffin inside another coffin, according to an announcement from Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
Finding such well-preserved coffins from the Middle Kingdom is a rare discovery. Kathlyn Cooney, an Egyptology professor at UCLA who was not involved in the excavation, remarked, “This coffin within a coffin is not only remarkably preserved, but it’s covered in intricate texts designed to help the deceased navigate the afterlife.” These texts may offer more insight into how the ancient Egyptians viewed life after death.
What does this mean for understanding Egyptian beliefs?
Caroline Arbuckle, an assistant professor of history at the University of Saskatchewan, added, “Studying these new inscriptions could help Egyptologists better understand the fears ancient Egyptians had about reaching paradise or what they believed was essential for the afterlife.” These discoveries have the potential to uncover new details about Egyptian funerary practices and their beliefs surrounding death.
The final resting place of a governor’s daughter
Idi lived during the reign of Pharaoh Senwosret I (1961–1917 B.C.) and was the daughter of Djefaihapi, the governor of Asyut, one of the wealthiest provinces at the time. While her tomb was robbed in ancient times, parts of her skeleton remain intact. Analysis of her remains suggests she died before the age of 40 and had a congenital leg deformity.
The larger of the two coffins is 2.6 meters long, while the smaller measures 2.3 meters. Archaeologists also found parts of a coffin lid and wooden figurines, one of which depicts a standing woman, possibly Idi herself. Cooney noted, “If this figurine is Idi, it adds to the very limited set of funerary objects likely representing her.”
Another figurine, as suggested by Francesco Tiradritti, a professor of Egyptology at Kore University of Enna in Italy, might depict a woman in motion. Tiradritti speculated that this figure could represent “the soul of Idi emerging from the tomb,” adding a deeper spiritual significance to the find.
A discovery by a modern team
Wolfram Grajetzki, an Egyptologist and honorary researcher at University College London, pointed out that the hieroglyphs on the sarcophagus describe Idi as “the lady of the house.” Many tombs have been discovered in Asyut over the last 130 years, some of them unearthed during questionable excavations. Many of these artifacts now reside in museums worldwide.
“It’s refreshing to see a burial uncovered by a modern team that will be properly documented and published,” Grajetzki remarked. This remarkable tomb was discovered by a team from Egypt’s Sohag University and the Free University of Berlin, marking a significant moment for archaeology in Asyut.
Unlocking new knowledge about ancient Egypt
The discovery of Idi’s tomb and double sarcophagus offers more than just a glimpse into ancient burial practices; it provides a doorway into understanding the beliefs, customs, and artistry of the Middle Kingdom of Egypt. As researchers continue to study the inscriptions and artifacts, we may gain fresh insights into the lives of ancient Egyptians and how they prepared for the journey into the afterlife.
Fact check:
- Claim: Idi was buried in a double sarcophagus.
Fact: The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities confirmed this, with Idi’s tomb containing two coffins, one inside the other. - Claim: The discovery of these coffins is rare for the Middle Kingdom.
Fact: Egyptologist Kathlyn Cooney confirmed that intact coffins from this period are indeed extraordinary finds. - Claim: One of the figurines could represent Idi.
Fact: Experts believe that one of the figurines might depict Idi, adding to the limited set of funerary objects potentially representing her.
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