More than a dozen ancient gold tongues have been unearthed in a historic cemetery at the site of Oxyrhynchus in Ancient Egypt offering a glimpse into fascinating burial rituals of the past.
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Unearthed 13 Ancient Egyptian Mummies with Gold Tongues for Afterlife Communication
Archaeologists in Egypt have unearthed 13 ancient mummies adorned with gold tongues and nails in a cemetery at the site of Oxyrhynchus, a city with deep historical roots. This remarkable discovery was made at the bottom of a burial shaft, where a hall with three chambers held dozens of mummies. The human remains date back to the Ptolemaic period (circa 304 to 30 B.C.), an era when Egypt was ruled by a dynasty that originated from one of Alexander the Great’s generals. The findings were announced in two statements released by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
This isn’t the first time gold tongues have been uncovered at Oxyrhynchus. Previously, archaeologists discovered 16 gold tongues, a practice linked to ancient Egyptian beliefs. According to Esther Pons Mellado and Maite Mascort, co-directors of the Spanish-Egyptian archaeological mission at Oxyrhynchus, the purpose of these gold tongues was to enable the deceased to speak in the afterlife. Additionally, ancient Egyptians considered gold “the flesh of the gods,” symbolizing divinity and eternal life. The same team of researchers was responsible for the new discoveries, further shedding light on these intriguing rituals.
Salima Ikram, an Egyptology professor at the American University in Cairo, noted the significance of finding such a high number of gold tongues. She speculated that the bodies might belong to higher elites, possibly connected to the temple and animal cults that were prevalent in the region. Ikram also suggested that using gold tongues might have been a popular trend for the embalmers in this area during the period.
These findings offer a captivating glimpse into ancient Egyptian burial customs and their deeply rooted spiritual beliefs, particularly surrounding the afterlife and the divine significance of gold.
One of the newfound gold tongues. (Image credit: Image courtesy of Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)
During their latest excavation, archaeologists uncovered 29 amulets alongside the mummies. These amulets came in various forms, including scarab beetles, which the ancient Egyptians revered as symbols of the sun’s movement across the sky. Others were shaped like Egyptian deities such as Horus, Thoth, and Isis, with some even blending features of multiple gods into a single design, reflecting the complexity of Egyptian spiritual beliefs.
The dig also revealed remarkable wall paintings. One mural features a tomb owner named Wen-Nefer, depicted alongside several Egyptian deities, emphasizing his journey to the afterlife. A ceiling painting highlights the sky goddess Nut, surrounded by stars, symbolizing protection and the heavens. Another striking artwork showcases a boat carrying multiple deities, a representation often linked to the divine journey through the afterlife. These findings offer a vivid insight into ancient Egyptian funerary art and the rich spiritual symbolism of their burial practices.
A newly discovered painting shows Egyptian deities on a boat. (Image credit: Image courtesy of Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)
The quality of the paintings is truly remarkable, and the vibrancy of the colors is astonishing,” remarked Francesco Tiradritti, an Egyptologist at D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara in Italy, who was not part of the excavation team. Tiradritti’s observations highlight the exceptional craftsmanship and preservation of these ancient artworks, offering a rare glimpse into the artistic brilliance of the Ptolemaic period.
Despite the significance of the discoveries, Live Science reached out to the team currently excavating at Oxyrhynchus for further insights but had not received a response at the time of publication. The researchers’ findings continue to spark global interest, as the ancient site of Oxyrhynchus proves to be a treasure trove of cultural and historical revelations