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The 4,300-year-old mausoleum of the ‘royal secret-keeper’

Scientists have discovered the elaborately decorated tomb of a royal scribe who served two pharaohs in ancient Egypt.





Decoration on the outside of the Tomb of Mehczeczi.  Photo: Jarosław Dąbrowski/PCMA

Decoration on the outside of the Tomb of Mehczeczi. Image: Jaroslaw Dąbrowski/PCMA

Professor Kamil O. Kuraszkiewicz at the Department of Oriental Studies at the University of Warsaw announced the discovery of a tomb belonging to Mehczeczi – “keeper of royal secrets”, who served two pharaohs of the 6th Dynasty – in the area. Saqqara cemetery, Egypt, Ancient Origins on 6/5 reported.

As the royal scribe for Userkare, 2nd pharaoh of the 6th Dynasty, who ruled from 2333 – 2331 BC, Mehczeczi is buried in a lavish mausoleum. According to the team, this elaborately carved mausoleum is perfectly suited to someone who held a high position in the royal palace of Userkare.

Many historians refer to Userkare as an “assassin” and believe that this pharaoh came to power by orchestrating a plot with the palace guards to kill pharaoh Teti – Userkare’s father and predecessor. Once the secret keeper of both Teti and Userkare, Mehczeczi probably lived a complicated life in these tumultuous times, when deception was the main weapon in ancient Egypt’s power struggles.

Kuraszkiewicz believes that the shallow moat around Mehczeczi’s tomb represents a kind of spiritual boundary separating his remains from the living world. So far, the team of archaeologists has only discovered the facade of the Tomb of Mehczeczi, which is decorated with intricate carvings.

According to Kuraszkiewicz, the carving on the wall shows that the craftsman is exceptionally skilled with elegant lines and delicate shapes. The next stage of the excavation will reveal the tomb’s interior, which is expected to be even more impressive.

The quality of the carvings in Mehczeczi’s tomb shows that he employed the best artisans. Money was probably not an issue for Mehczeczi as the carvings show him as “the secret keeper of the pharaoh’s documents”.

This title may not have much to do with the genre of the document but implies that Mehczeczi knew the secret of creating letters and words. In the illiterate ancient Egyptian society, this ability was associated with magic and cosmic knowledge. Besides, Mehczeczi also knows in advance what documents will be published by the royal family.

Currently, scientists have identified Mehczeczi’s tomb and excavated the outer surface. Next, they’ll explore inside, looking for Mehczeczi’s burial chamber, which will no doubt contain many treasures.

Thu Thao (According to Ancient Origins)

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