Discover mummified mussels in Egypt

Archaeologist Zahi Hawass (Photo: dagbladet)

Egyptian archaeologists have discovered the mummy of a wandering man who lived 4,000 years ago in a sophisticated sarcophagus, accompanied by copper surgical instruments.

The upper part of the tomb was discovered in 2000 in Saqqara, 20 km south of Cario. The doctor named Qar, lived in the 6th dynasty and arranged his grave near Egypt's first pyramid. The 6th dynasty ruled from 2350 to 2180 BC.

The leading archaeologist Zahi Hawass said that the lid of the wooden coffin is very sophisticated and keeps the decorative patterns, the mummy is also in good condition. "The linen-covered fabric and the charred figures on the mummy are still intact. The mask covering the face is still surprisingly intact even though the mouth of the mummy is slightly damaged."

The tomb also contains terracotta pieces bearing the name of the doctor, a round stone table with sacrificial offerings and 22 bronze god statues.

MT