Ancient Egypt breakthrough after incredible finding of 4000-year-old tomb of doctor

By Astha Saxena, News Reporter

Archaeologists have discovered the tomb of a multi-talented wizard-doctor (Image: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)

A group of archaeologists have made an incredible discovery after they found the tomb of a multi-talented wizard-doctor who served the pharaohs approximately 4,000 years ago.

The unbelievable discovery was made in Saqqara, a burial site for high-ranking officials of ancient Egypt’s Old Kingdom, reports Euronews. 

The team comprising of French-Swiss archaeologists worked in the southern section of Saqqara since 2022. They located the tomb in a cluster of burial sites for senior statesmen and royal employees.

The inscriptions on the tomb identify its owner as “Tetinebefou” described as a celebrated physician.

The findings provide significant insight into his life and status during Ancient Egypt's Sixth Dynasty (circa 2305–2118 BC), a period marked by the rule of King Pepi II.

The inscriptions suggest that Tetinebefou held a “complete series of titles” (Image: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)

King Pepi II’s reign was one of the longest in Egyptian history and is associated with a time of relative stability before the decline of the Old Kingdom.

Tetinebefou’s role as a physician in this era implies that he operated within a well-organised bureaucratic and medical framework.

The inscriptions suggest that Tetinebefou held a “complete series of titles”, including “chief doctor of the palace”, “priest" and "magician” of the goddess Serket.

“The tomb is adorned with stunning carvings and vibrant artwork, including a beautifully painted false door and scenes of funerary offerings,” the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said in a statement.

Details of carvings found in Tetinebefou's tomb (Image: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)

According to Philippe Collombert, the leader of the French-Swiss team, the tomb had been almost completely ransacked before its discovery, and no human remains were found. 

The goddess Serket (or Selket) was associated with protection, healing, and venomous creatures like scorpions.

Saqqara is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Egypt, located about 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of modern-day Cairo. It served as a major burial ground and religious center for the ancient city of Memphis, which was the first capital of unified Egypt.

Saqqara is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Memphis and its Necropolis, along with Giza and Dahshur.

The ministry added: “This incredible find adds to Saqqara's rich legacy as one of Egypt's most significant archaeological sites.”