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Archaeologists find ornate tomb belonging to a physician who treated Egyptian pharaohs 4.100 years ago

Published 24/01/2025 às 11:25
pharaohs, tomb
(Image credit: Courtesy of Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)

A richly decorated tomb of a physician who served Egyptian pharaohs 4.100 years ago has been discovered by archaeologists in Egypt.

The recent discovery of an intricately decorated tomb in Egypt revealed stunning details about the life of a physician who served the pharaohs more than four millennia ago.

The burial chamber, located in Saqqara, the necropolis of the ancient Egyptian capital Memphis, belonged to Tetinebefou, a multi-purpose royal physician, much loved by the pharaohs.

The richly adorned tomb offers a fascinating insight into Ancient Egyptian medicine and society.

A discovery of great significance

French and Swiss archaeologists, in partnership with Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, excavated the tomb which dates back to approximately 4.100 years.

The discovery was considered remarkable due to the vibrant sculptures and artwork found, including a false door painted with scenes of funerary offerings. These elements help to better understand the funeral rituals and beliefs of the period.

Inside the tomb, researchers identified a stone sarcophagus with hieroglyphics containing the doctor's name.

Inscriptions indicate that Tetinebefou held several prestigious positions, such as chief physician to the palace, dentist boss, director of medicinal plants and priest of the goddess Serket, a deity associated with the healing of poisonous bites.

The importance of Tetinebefou in the royal court

Tetinebefou possibly served under the reign of Pepi II, a pharaoh of the Old Kingdom of Egypt who ruled for an extended period of 60 to 90 years.

Pepi II was crowned while still a child and, upon his death, was buried in Saqqara, near the recently discovered tomb of the physician.

The titles found on the sarcophagus indicate that Tetinebefou was not only a health professional, but also an expert in several areas, which made him an essential figure in the pharaonic court.

According to Philippe Collombert, an Egyptologist at the University of Geneva, the titles of “director of medicinal plants” and “head dentist” are extremely rare, reinforcing Tetinebefou’s privileged position in Egyptian society.

The Advanced Medical Knowledge of Ancient Egypt

The ancient Egyptians are widely recognized for their medical advances and sophisticated knowledge of human anatomy.

They were able to perform complex surgical procedures, such as removing brain tumors, as well as diagnose diseases such as diabetes and develop prosthetics.

The Greek historian Herodotus, in the 5th century BC, noted that Egyptian physicians were highly specialized, with practitioners dedicated to specific areas of the human body.

Roger Forshaw, an Egyptologist at the University of Manchester, highlighted that the evidence for dentists in Ancient

Egypt are extremely scarce, making the discovery of Tetinebefou's tomb even more significant.

The murals found depict objects the doctor may have used in his practice, such as jars and vases, providing a rare glimpse into the medical tools of the time.

Saqqara – An archaeological treasure

The Saqqara necropolis is one of the most important archaeological sites in Egypt, housing a vast collection of tombs and monuments from different eras.

Despite being looted over the centuries, new discoveries continue to reveal valuable information about Egyptian civilization.

The tomb of Tetinebefou, even without many funerary artifacts, offers a deeper understanding of the medical practices and social structure of the Old Kingdom.

Future perspectives for research

The discovery of this tomb raises new questions about Egyptian medicine and the interaction between medicine and religion in ancient times.

Researchers hope that more detailed analyses of the inscriptions and wall paintings will reveal additional information about the treatment methods used at the time and the organization of health professionals.

With this, it is possible that new excavations at Saqqara will bring to light more tombs of important figures, allowing an even greater understanding of Egyptian medical science and its evolution over the centuries.

With information Live Science.

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Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Journalist specializing in a wide range of topics, such as cars, technology, politics, shipbuilding, geopolitics, renewable energy and economics. I have been working since 2015 with prominent publications in major news portals. My degree in Information Technology Management from Faculdade de Petrolina (Facape) adds a unique technical perspective to my analyses and reports. With over 10 thousand articles published in renowned media outlets, I always seek to bring detailed information and relevant insights to the reader. For story suggestions or any questions, please contact me by email at flclucas@hotmail.com.

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