CAIRO: The United States archaeological mission affiliated with New York University, working in the place of the temple of King Ramesses II (Egyptian pharao) in Abydos, southern Egypt, has uncovered over 2,000 mummified ram heads dating back to the Ptolemaic era (332 B.C. to 30 B.C.), besides a large building from the Sixth Dynasty.
Mostafa Waziri, Secretary-general of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, an institution entrusted with the protection of Egyptian heritage has said the find was important because it reveals more information about the history of the Temple of King Ramesses II in Abydos Sohag governorate and the surrounding area.
Mummified animals
Waziri said the mission uncovered several mummified animals next to the heads of the rams, including ewes, dogs, cows, wild goats, deer and mongooses. They were found in one of the latest discovered storage rooms inside the northern area of the temple.
Head of the mission, Sameh Iskandar said the mummified rams are thought to have been used as votive offerings in Abydos during the Ptolemaic period.
The enormous uncovered building, which dates back to the era of the Sixth Dynasty, is characterized by its unique architectural design. It is distinguished by massive, thick walls about five meters wide.
Iskandar said the study of that building would contribute to the research being undertaken about the architecture and activities of the Old Dynasty Kingdom in Abydos.
Mohamed Abdel Badei, head of the central department of Egypt Antiquities at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the mission succeeded in uncovering hunks of the northern wall of the tower surrounding the temple and its appurtenances.
The mission team uncovered fragments of papyri, statues, remains of ancient trees, clothing and shoes.
Abydos remains one of the oldest ancient cities in Egypt and contains many important structures, including the Temple of Seti I and the Temple of Ramses II.
