The 'hell map' in the 4,000-year-old coffin

The inscriptions and drawings in the coffin guide the dead to overcome dangerous difficulties to the afterlife.

The content carved on the wooden boards of the coffin.(Photo: Sun).

A coffin carved with a "hell map" was discovered under a grave in Dayr al-Barsha, Sun on October 8. This map actually consists of symbols and hieroglyphs in the Book of Two Ways of ancient Egypt. The book describes the two paths the deceased can use to reach Osiris , the god of death. It also records spells that help them avoid evil or dangers on the road.

"Book of Two Ways can be considered the first illustrated book in history. It provides the first instruction with drawings to the sacred land ," said Dr. Foy Scalf at the University of Chicago.

The road to Osiris (sitting on the throne), the god of death.(Photo: Sun).

The coffin, discovered in 2012, belongs to a high-ranking woman named Ankh. The new study reveals that the inscriptions inside the coffin are the oldest evidence of Book of Two Ways.

The tomb was visited many times by thieves in previous centuries. Archaeologists determined it existed 4,000 years ago based on the inscriptions on Djehutinakht I, who ruled the area from the 21st century to the 20th century BC.

The Book of Two Ways inscription in Ankh's coffin is about 500 years older than those found earlier. Scientists have discovered several copies of books engraved on the tomb walls, even mummified masks. They are usually for high status people. Book of Two Ways is part of the Coffin Texts series of over 1,000 spells and notes on the afterlife.

Scientists do not know much about Book of Two Ways, including the author and the time of writing. The team hopes the new findings will help reveal more information about the book. Besides, opening the coffin may make some people worry about the "Curse of the pharaohs". This curse is said to apply to those who harassed mummies of ancient Egyptians.