Archaeologists have unearthed more than 2,000 mummified goat heads from an area in southern Egypt. These goats are thought to have been offered as offerings at the shrine of Pharaoh Ramses II. This was revealed by the Ministry of Tourism and Archeology on Sunday.
A team of US archaeologists from New York University at Abydos has already unearthed mummies of dogs, goats, cows, camels and kiri from this area of southern Egypt, known for its temples and tombs. The head of the American mission, Sameh Iskandar, said the goats now unearthed may have been sacrificed in a cult that took place 1,000 years after Ramses II’s death. Ramses ruled here for seven decades from 1304 to 1237 BC.
Mostafa Waziri, the head of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, said he hoped the discovery would provide more information about Ramses II’s shrine and what went on around it.
In addition to the remains of mummified animals, archaeologists also found the remains of a palace with five-meter walls dating back to about 4,000 years ago. They also found many statues, remains of ancient trees, leather clothes and shoes here.
Egypt, home to about 105 million people, is currently going through an economic crisis. And 10 percent of GDP is dependent on tourism. Two million people are employed in this sector.
Last Updated Mar 27, 2023, 10:44 AM IST