The Wahtye mausoleum in Saqqara

The Wahtye mausoleum in Saqqara

In the Saqqara burial grounds south of Cairo Egypt a remarkable discovery was made in a tomb that remained remarkably well-preserved when unearthed in 2018. It reveals the tomb of Wahtye a high-ranking Egyptian priest. The tomb contains 55 beautifully painted statues and wall paintings depicting daily life in ancient Egypt dating back over 4,400 years to the 5th Dynasty. In November 2018 it was announced that Wahtye's tomb had been discovered in the Saqqara necropolis Inside the tomb were bas-reliefs of Wahtye believed to have been created around 2415–2405 BC.

Tomb No. 7 Wahtye a priest and high-ranking official who served King Neferirkare Kakai during the 5th Dynasty of Egypt The architectural structure is constructed from paved stone These meticulously carved scenes depict Wahtye's life and duties. The colors remain almost completely intact despite the tomb being nearly 4,400 years old. An example of ancient kingdom architecture

The Tomb of Wahtye a 4,400-year-old burial site was discovered in the stepped pyramid area of ​​Saqqara south of Cairo. / photo credit : straitstimes

Wahty and his family are buried there but not all are in wooden coffins. The bas-reliefs are exquisitely detailed. Inscriptions in his tomb include the names of his mother Merit Meen his wife Weretptah his sons Seshemnefer Kaiemakhnetjer and Sebaib and his daughter Seke illustrating beliefs in the afterlife guardians of the sacred kingdom and guardians of the sacred vessel. The deepest crypt contains the ashes of Wahtye found in a wooden coffin. Hunting and music-related activities are depicted a rare feature of tombs separated by gender. The second third and fourth crypts contain the ashes of Wahtye and his family