An important discovery at Umm Al-Qaab in Abydos, promises to add to the story of Queen Merneith, an Egyptian consort and regent, who could have also been the first or second queen of Egypt. A joint Egyptian / German-Austrian archaeological team has unearthed hundreds of sealed jars believed to contain the remains of ancient wine. In addition, an inscription adds to evidence of her eminently high status.
In a statement from the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities , Dr. Mustafa Waziri, the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Archaeology, confirmed the significant nature of the discovery. According to this release, the jars were found in excellent condition and the wine remnants inside are roughly 5,000 years old. Alongside these jars, the team has also unveiled a collection of funeral furniture that sheds light on the burial practices and beliefs of the period.
Further revelations came from Dr. Dietersh Rao, the director of the German Institute in Cairo. Rao explained that the excavations have provided fresh insights into Queen Merneith’s (or Maret Neth) life and her reign. Inscriptions on a plaque from Merneith’s tomb underscore her prominent role in the central government. These inscriptions state that she had a “great position as she was in charge of offices of the central government.” Thus, the discovery is adding details to the life story of this enigmatic, but evidently very important ancient ruler.
Queen Merneith’s tomb has been excavated within Umm Al-Qaab in…
