Archaeology mystery as 2,600-year-old pot of gold found in Egypt ancient temple

The ornaments were placed inside a broken small pot (Image: Egypt Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)

Archaeologists in Egypt have unearthed a 2,600-year-old pot containing gold jewellery and statuettes of a family of ancient gods. The treasure trove was discovered at the Karnak temple complex, one of the most important ancient Egyptian shrines dating back almost 4,000 years.

The discovery could lead to a much better understanding of the temple complex near Luxor and their historical evolution during the first millennium BC. Beads, amulets and statuettes - many of which are made from gold - were among the items found at the site by the team of researchers. The ornaments were placed inside a broken small pot and were said to be "in good condition”.

Beads, amulets and statuettes - many of which are made from gold - were among the items found (Image: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Egypt)

They were discovered in the northwestern section of the temple complex in an area believed to have hired administrative and storage facilities.

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the discovery were the trio of statuettes representing the deities Amun, Khonsu and Mut.

The three gods were a family: Amun was the chief god of Thebes, his wife Mut was a mother goddess, and their son Khonsu was a moon god.

Abdelghaffar Wagdy, a co-leader of the archaeological team, believes the statuettes could have been worn on the neck like an amulet.

The Karnak temple complex at Luxor developed over more than 1,000 years (Image: Getty)

"The depiction of the Theban Triad on the amulet likely symbolises the devotion to the divine family of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu," he told the Live Science journal.

He added that the wearer may have been hoping that the figurines would provide divine protection.

Some of the amulets were in the form of eye-shaped wadjets, believed by ancient Egyptians to contain healing powers and which were also symbols for rebirth.

The pot of jewellery could have been part of votive offerings given to the gods during a ritual, according to archaeologists.

Equally the could have been a donation to the temple treasury or were simply buried for safekeeping during political unrest.

The Karnak temple complex at Luxor developed over more than 1,000 years, principally between the 12th and 20th Dynasties.

It was, at its peak, the largest and most important religious complex in ancient Egypt.