Why sip ancient sarcophagus concoctions when you can enjoy more appealing tomb beverages?
In the tomb of Egypt's First Dynasty queen Meret-Neith, a trove of grave treasures has been unveiled, including numerous sealed wine jars. These findings reinforce the belief that she was a highly significant figure, possibly Egypt's first female pharaoh.
Around 2950 BCE, Meret-Neith reigned as the queen of Egypt, potentially holding the title of a pharaoh. Her true status remains a mystery, as the first queen with a complete royal title was Sobekneferu, a thousand years later.
Nonetheless, Meret-Neith's significance is undeniable in her opulent tomb at the Abydos royal necropolis. She shares her resting place with male pharaohs, and her tomb rivals theirs in size and richness, marking her as a powerful woman of her era.
Archaeologists, led by Christiana Köhler from the University of Vienna and in collaboration with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, are actively exploring Meret-Neith's grand monument.
In addition to the wine jars, filled with grape seeds and remnants of their ancient contents, inscriptions indicate her roles in important offices, including the royal treasury.
Modern archaeological techniques shed light on the construction of her burial monument. The complex, constructed with unbaked brick, clay, and wood, reveals a phased development, suggesting that her courtiers and servants might not have been ritual sacrifices, but rather laid to rest with honour after living their lives.
Research into this enigmatic queen's legacy continues, offering a glimpse into the life of a fascinating historical figure, captivating us even millennia after her time.
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