Tetinebefu a physician during the reign of King Pepi II

Tetinebefu a physician during

the reign of King Pepi II

Inscriptions on the tomb identify the owner as Tetinebefu a renowned physician during the reign of King Pepi II of the 6th Dynasty who ruled from approximately 2305 BC to 2118 BC. A team of French-Swiss archaeologists discovered the tomb of this multi-talented doctor and sorcerer who served the pharaoh approximately 4,000 years ago. In a statement the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities noted that the tomb was adorned with exquisite carvings and vibrant artwork including beautifully painted false doors and scenes depicting funerary sacrifices

Details of carvings found in Tetinebefou's tomb Credit: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

Tetinebefu held "several positions" including "chief physician" , "priest" and "magician" of the goddess Sergate. These remarkable inscriptions were found at Saqqara the burial site of high-ranking officials in ancient Egypt's Old Kingdom. From the inscriptions and artifacts found in the tomb his name is identified as Tetinebefu the palace physician of Egypt. These monuments are simple mud brick structures sometimes with walls. Limestone is rarely found in these tombs with decorations like those from the era of King Pepi II a pharaoh of the 6th Dynasty in the Old Kingdom

The intact walls of Tetinebefou's tomb Credit: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)

Mummies were never found in the tomb of King Pepi II; it was later looted. The internal structure shows signs of haste and incomplete construction with findings such as inscriptions on an unfinished sarcophagus reflecting the late reign of Pepi II. Despite his long reign and the existence of the most complete Pyramid Texts containing incantations to aid the pharaoh in the afterlife found on the walls of the burial chamber and passageways these texts particularly those using Greywag sarcophagi are noteworthy. Large pyramids were also constructed during Pepi II's reign.