Archaeologists have uncovered more than 2,000 mummified ram heads and a palatial structure from the Old Kingdom at the Temple of Ramesses II in Abydos. These finds, located approximately 270 miles (435 kilometers) south of Cairo, span a period of over 1,000 years, from the 6th Dynasty to the Heroic Age, making some of them over 4,300 years old.
In addition to the mummified ram heads, the team from New York University discovered mummified remains of dogs, wild goats, cows, deer, and even an ostrich. These remains are believed to have been left at the site to honor Ramesses II about 1,000 years after his death, according to the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. The ministry stated that these discoveries would enhance the understanding of the site, covering a span of more than two millennia up to the Ptolemaic period, which lasted for about three centuries until the Roman conquest in 30 BC.
Abydos, located in the Sohag governorate, is one of Egypt’s major archaeological sites, though it is less visited. It served as a necropolis for early ancient Egyptian royalty and a pilgrimage center for the worship of the god Osiris. Dr. Sameh Iskandar, head of the mission, suggested that the rams and other animals were likely used as offerings during the worship of the rams in Abydos during the Bipidus period.
The excavations, conducted by a team from New York University’s Institute for the Study of the Ancient World, also revealed a large palatial structure with walls approximately five meters thick from the 6th Dynasty of the Old Kingdom. Additionally, several statues, papyri, ancient tree remains, leather garments, and shoes were uncovered.
Dr. Sameh Iskandar, the mission head, stated that the structure could help “reestablish the sense of the ancient landscape of Abydos before the construction of the Ramesses II temple,” as reported by Reuters.
