Archaeologists in Egypt have uncovered 13 ancient mummies adorned with gold tongues in a cemetery at Oxyrhynchus, an archaeological site rich with Ptolemaic and Roman-era artifacts. The mummies, dating back to the Ptolemaic period (circa 304–30 BC), were found in a burial shaft containing a hall with three chambers, reports the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities. The find offers a glimpse into the intricate beliefs and rituals of ancient Egyptians regarding the afterlife.
The use of gold tongues was part of a funerary practice where the deceased were provided with golden replacements for their tongues to help them speak before the gods in the afterlife. Gold, considered the “flesh of the gods,” symbolized divine power and purity.
- Two Oxyrhynchus Mummies Discovered with Golden Tongues
- 10 Of The Most Famous Pirates, Male And Female, Who Ruled The Seas!
Close-up of one of a newfound gold tongue from Oxyrhynchus. (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)
Gold Tongues and Elite Burials
The discovery follows a similar find of 16 gold tongues unearthed at Oxyrhynchus earlier this year. The practice of using gold tongues suggests these individuals were of high status, possibly members of the local elite associated with the temples and animal cults prevalent in the area.
Salima Ikram, an Egyptology professor at the American University in Cairo, commented on the significance of the find to Live Science:
“The number of gold tongues here is high, which is interesting. Possibly the bodies belong to higher elites that were associated with the temple and animal cults that proliferated in the area.”
Alongside the mummies, archaeologists discovered 29 amulets crafted in shapes that held symbolic importance, such as scarab beetles—representing the sun’s movement—and deities like Horus, Thoth, and Isis. Some amulets combined the forms of multiple gods, underscoring the complexity of ancient Egyptian religious beliefs.
- The Oxyrhynchus Papyri: The Largest Cache of Early Christian Manuscripts Discovered to Date
- 5 Important Egyptian Archaeological Discoveries that Provided Leaps in Our Knowledge of the Past
A larger variety of amulets were found at the site. (Egypt’s Ministry of Antiquities)
Spectacular Wall Paintings
The excavation also revealed vibrant wall paintings that are astonishingly well-preserved. One painting depicts the tomb owner, Wen-Nefer, accompanied by Egyptian deities, while another shows the sky goddess Nut surrounded by stars on the ceiling. A striking painting of a boat with various deities adds further richness to the site’s artistic legacy.
According to a Live Science report, Francesco Tiradritti, an Egyptologist at D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, praised the artistry:
“The quality is really excellent, and the freshness of colors is simply amazing.”
Painting depicting Egyptian deities on a boat. (Egypt’s Ministry of Antiquities)
Unlocking the Secrets of Oxyrhynchus
The discoveries at Oxyrhynchus provide invaluable insights into the funerary customs and religious beliefs of ancient Egyptians during the Ptolemaic era. The use of gold tongues and amulets reflects their deep reverence for the afterlife and their desire to ensure the deceased could communicate with the gods.
As excavations continue, the artifacts and paintings from this site will undoubtedly add to our understanding of life and death in ancient Egypt, cementing Oxyrhynchus’s reputation as a treasure trove of historical wonders.
Top image: Gold tongues and fingernails found at Oxyrhynchus. Source: Egypt’s Ministry of Antiquities
By Gary Manners
Source: www.ancient-origins.net