A Franco-Swiss archaeological team discovered the tomb of a a pharaohs’ doctor in Saqqara, an excavation site of high-ranking officials of Egypt’s Old Kingdom.
Inscriptions on the tomb identify its owner as Tetinebefou, a famous doctor from the time of King Pepi II of the Sixth Dynasty, which reigned from 2305 to 2118 B.C. According to the inscriptions, Tetinebefou held the titles of “priest,” “magician” of the goddess Serket and “chief doctor of the palace.”
According to Philippe Collombert, the leader of the French-Swiss team, the tomb had been looted before it was discovered, with no human remains found.
The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said the tomb was “adorned with stunning carvings and vibrant artwork, including a beautifully painted false door and scenes of funerary offerings.”
This incredible find adds to Saqqara’s rich legacy as one of Egypt’s most significant archaeological sites.
Saqqara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a vast necropolis in the Egyptian capital of Memphis. Tetinebefou, a priest-magician of the goddess Serket, associated with protection from poisonous creatures, probably specialised in treating snake and scorpion bites. He also held the position of royal dentist, according to the discoveries.
