https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...eologists-haul-mummified-cats-near-Cairo.html
Pretty cool find here! Especially the Scarabs! Although I'm waiting for the Pharoh's Curse to be unleashed when the archaeologists knock over the ancient kitty litter.
Archaeologists in Egypt said today that they had discovered dozens of cat mummies, a rare collection of mummified scarab beetles, as well as an apparently pristine Fifth Dynasty tomb they plan to open in the coming weeks.
The mummified beetles - the first ever to be found in the area - were among artefacts found in seven tombs discovered over the past six months on the edge of the King Userkaf pyramid complex at the ancient necropolis of Saqqara, south of Cairo.
The burial chambers also contained wooden statues depicting other animals and birds.
As they were preparing the site to present the latest discoveries, archaeologists found the door of another tomb that remains sealed, said Mostafa Waziri, secretary-general of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities.
It is believed that the ancient Egyptians cared for domesticated cats as long ago as in 3,700BC.
Until recent times, it was thought that cats were first domesticated in the country around 1,950BC.
Evidence of pet felines has also been found in China, indicating farmers cared for cats in 3,300BC.
Archaeologists said that cats were also used as religious sacrifices in Ancient Egypt over 5,500 years ago.
Cats were known as 'Mau' and were later important in Egyptian society and became a symbol of grace.
Two goddesses took the form of cats - Mafdet - a lion-headed goddess of justice and execution, and Bastet - a cat representing fertility and motherhood.
As a revered animal, some cats received the same mummification after death as humans and were often dedicated to Bastet.
It is thought there were four main reasons for mummifying animals - to be worshipped as manifestations of certain gods, act as offerings to them, provide food in the afterlife and allow beloved pets to live on in the afterlife.
Pretty cool find here! Especially the Scarabs! Although I'm waiting for the Pharoh's Curse to be unleashed when the archaeologists knock over the ancient kitty litter.
