An ancient Egyptian tomb that is believed to have belonged to a royal doctor with a rare skill has been uncovered after 4,100 years.
Archaeologists discovered Tetinebefou – who is said to have treated pharaohs during King Pepi II’s time – while working on a site in the southern part of Saqqara.
The location is well-known for being a treasure trove of historic burial grounds.
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Images show the inside of the tomb, as well as paintings and hieroglyphics etched onto the walls.
Tetinebefou’s tomb is decorated with colourful features that depict a variety of containers, such as jars and what looks like a vase.
They also show abstract images and geometric shapes.
Artefacts that were once inside have been stolen but the tomb itself told the scientists the story of Tetinebefou including the doctor’s position.
It also depicted a variety of objects which he is thought to have used in his work.
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Philippe Collombert, leader of the Swiss-French team who were involved in the discovery, revealed that the doctor was a specialist in poisonous bites.
Tetinebefou held the title of ‘conjurer of the goddess Serquet’, a goddess who was associated with scorpions.
Serquet was also believed to have provided protection from a scorpion’s sting.
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According to the inscriptions, the doctor, who was at the top of his profession, was also a ‘director of medicinal plants’.
Philippe said the title has only been seen on one other discovery from ancient Egypt.
It was also discovered that Tetinebefou was a ‘chief dentist’ – which is another title and rarely reported skill of the time, as reported by What’s The Jam.
“Despite evidence of ancient looting, the tomb’s walls remain intact, offering a rare glimpse into daily life and cultural practices during the Old Kingdom,” reads an extract from a Facebook post.
“The team also discovered a stone sarcophagus with inscriptions bearing the physician’s name and titles.
“This incredible find adds to Saqqara’s rich legacy as one of Egypt’s most significant archaeological sites.”
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