Important archeological find in Abydos, Upper Egypt
Egypt, History, 3/4/2002

Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) mission in Abydos, Sohag unearthed an important cemetery of god Horus, one of the ancient Egyptian trinity that comprises Osiris and Isis, and dates back to the Ptolemaic era, said archaeologist Sabri Abdel Aziz, director of Upper Egypt antiquities department.

This is the first time a complete cemetery of the falcon shaped god Horus, who was worshipped in the area of Abydos for a long time, is unearthed, he said.

He added that the find includes tombs in which big oval earthenware sarcophagi were found with linen-wrapped embalmed falcons inside them, some of which had gold-plated dark green and black masks covering the heads.

A number of intact falcon eggs were also found, in addition to a treasure trove outside the tombs representing a scarab pushing one of these eggs forward as told by the ancient Egyptian legend of creation, he said.

Traces of gold were found on the remains of human skeletons gathered haphazardly and also on the skulls, teeth, fingers and toes as well as an incomplete bronze statuette of god Horus in the sitting position, a group of amulets, bronze vessels and a god hat-hor-shaped pestle previously restored with lead, he noted.

Archaeologist Yehia Al-masci said the find included stone plaques containing engravings, Greek inscriptions representing a group of people.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dr. Atef Ebeid will tour restoration and rejuvenation projects being carried out by the culture ministry in Siwa oasis, Mersa Matrouh.

Ebeid will listen to a briefing by Culture Minister Farouk Hosni on the projects that will cost LE . 25 million.

Previous Stories:
  King Hormoheb tomb ready for inauguration   (3/2/2002)
  Conference to evaluate restoration operations at Islamic Cairo   (2/27/2002)
  SCA excavators unearth rock-carved tomb in Suhag   (2/21/2002)

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