Archaeologists Unearthed the Missing ‘Book of the Dead’ in an Egyptian Burial Ground

Archaeologists in Egypt have uncovered a lost cemetery dating back 3,500 years, revealing mummies, statues, and other significant artifacts. Among the discoveries is a remarkable 43-foot-long papyrus scroll containing part of the ancient Book of the Dead, a rare find that has captivated experts.

The team behind the excavation has remained discreet about the full details of the scrolls text. Ancient Egyptian burials were highly elaborate, often including canopic jars to store organs and scrolls to guide the deceased through the afterlife. This newly found cemetery, located in central Egypt, offers a vivid glimpse into these practices with its wealth of artifacts, including amulets, statues, mummies, and the exceptionally long papyrus.

According to Mustafa Waziri, secretary general of the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities, this scroll is the first complete papyrus found in the Al-Ghuraifa area and is noted for its excellent preservation. The cemetery itself, dating from the New Kingdom period (circa 15501070 BC), contains hundreds of tombs carved into the rock and an extensive array of archaeological items.

The potential copy of the Book of the Dead has drawn particular attention due to its rarity. Few details have been disclosed about the contents, and estimates suggest the scroll could measure between 43 and 49 feet. These texts, which originated at the start of the New Kingdom, provide essential insight into ancient Egyptian beliefs and rituals surrounding the afterlife.

Lara Weiss, CEO of Germanys Roemer and Pelizaeus Museum, described the find as a great and interesting discovery due to its length and preservation. Foy Scalf, an Egyptologist at the University of Chicago, noted that finding a copy still within its original burial context is extremely uncommon, though verification will require official publications and photographs.

The Book of the Dead, more accurately referred to as The Chapters/Book of Going Forth By Day, was central to Egyptian religious practices. According to the American Research Center in Egypt, each new copy discovered helps scholars refine their understanding of ancient Egyptian spiritual beliefs and the afterlife.

Besides the papyrus, the excavation revealed stone and wooden coffins containing mummies, over 25,000 ushabti statues, numerous utensils, thousands of amulets, and canopic jars. Notable finds include the coffin of Ta-de-Isa, daughter of Eret Haru, a high priest of Djehuti in Al-Ashmunin, along with her canopic vessels, a complete set of ushabti, and a statue of the deity Ptah Sokar.

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities plans to display the scroll at the Grand Egyptian Museum, highlighting its importance alongside the broader collection of artifacts from this remarkable New Kingdom cemetery.

Author: Sophia Brooks