A French-Swiss team of archaeologists in Egypt has uncovered the tomb of a skilled physician-magician who served the pharaohs around 4,000 years ago.
Inscriptions on the tomb identify its owner as "Tetinebefu," a renowned doctor during the reign of King Pepi II of the Sixth Dynasty (approximately 2305 to 2118 BC).
According to the inscriptions, Tetinebefu held an impressive array of titles, including "Chief Physician of the Palace", "Priest", and "Magician" of the goddess Serket.
"The tomb is adorned with stunning carvings and vibrant artworks, including a beautifully painted false door and scenes of funerary offerings," stated a statement from Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
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The team of archaeologists, working in the southern part of Saqqara since 2022, found the tomb among a cluster of burials of high-ranking officials and royal servants.
According to Philippe Collombier, the leader of the Franco-Swiss team, the tomb had been almost completely looted before its discovery, and no human remains were found.
As a priest-magician of Serket, the goddess associated with protection from venomous creatures, Tetinebefu likely specialized in treating snake and scorpion bites. Unusually, among his other duties, he held the title of royal dentist—a rare designation in ancient Egyptian findings.
Saqqara is a vast necropolis in the ancient capital of Egypt, Memphis. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to more than a dozen pyramids, including the famous pyramids of Giza, as well as smaller pyramids in Abu Sir, Dahshur, and Abu Rawash.
"This incredible discovery enriches the rich heritage of Saqqara as one of Egypt's most significant archaeological sites," the ministry's statement said.