The remains of a talented healer and ‘priest and magician’ who was thought to have treated pharaohs have been found in Egypt, archaeologists have announced
Archaeologists have unearthed the remains of what they believe to be a 4,000 year old wizard/doctor in Egypt. The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the find earlier this year, with the tomb located in the ancient burial ground of Saqqara.
The tomb, which features a false door and is adorned with vibrant engravings and drawings, was identified as belonging to Teti Neb Fu, a physician from the era of King Pepi II, who ruled from 2305BC to 2118BC during the sixth dynasty.
“The tomb is adorned with stunning carvings and vibrant artwork, including a beautifully painted false door and scenes of funerary offerings,” the ministry stated. This revelation follows their release of images showcasing the discovery of a 4,000 year old tomb that has illuminated aspects of a ruler’s life from four millennia past.
Teti Neb Fu’s final resting place is a mastaba, characterised by its flat roof and sloping sides, which was common for that historical period. According to the ministry, this discovery provides fresh perspectives on the daily lives and medical practices of the ancient Egyptians.
From the evidence unearthed, it appears Teti Neb Fu was no ordinary healer. The inscriptions within his remarkably well-preserved tomb have shed light on the physician’s life, revealing that he held a ‘complete set of titles’, reports the Mirror US.
Among these accolades were ‘chief doctor of the palace’ and ‘priest and magician’ of the goddess Serket.
The tomb was discovered in an area often referred to as the City of the Dead, a site brimming with ancient structures and burial grounds. Like many other ancient Egyptian tombs, this location had already been plundered of its treasures, but the remaining decorations provided the French-Swiss archaeological team enough clues to piece together information about its enigmatic occupant.
Researchers speculate that he was likely a specialist in treating snake or scorpion bites, given that Serket was revered as a protector against venomous bites and stings.
The Independent reported that this esteemed healer also served as a Royal dentist and as ‘director of plant medicine.’ His high standing is evident from the numerous significant roles and positions he would have held at the pharaoh’s court.
The most recent findings from the site are a result of an ongoing dig in Saqqara that began in 2022, with researchers positing that the ancient Egyptian kingdom held both medicine and magic in high esteem. This theory is partly based on Teti Neb Fu’s intricate burial and the notion that this civilisation was constantly in pursuit of knowledge.
Past discoveries suggest that the ancient Egyptians were striving to comprehend and combat cancer. They also endeavoured to concoct lotions and herbal cures for a variety of ailments.
