The discovery was made in a temple from the time of Ramses II and was a pilgrimage center for the worship of the god Osiris.
Some 2,000 mummified ram heads and mummies of other animals have been found in a temple of Pharaoh Ramses II, in the ancient city of Abydos, southern Egypt. Scientists also discovered a huge building from the Old Kingdom era, Reuters reports, referring to the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in a statement on social media.
Along with the ram heads, there were also mummified dogs, wild goats, cows, deer, and an ostrich in the temple.
Scientists believe that the mummies found were offerings to Ramses II. His cult was venerated at the site some 1,000 years after his death.
In addition to the mummified animal remains, the team from the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World attached to New York University found a large palatial structure with walls about 5 meters thick. It is likely that it corresponds to the 6th Dynasty of the Old Kingdom.
Papyrus, tree remains, leather clothing, shoes and various statues were also found.
The archaeological site was a necropolis for the ancient Egyptian royal family and a pilgrimage center for the worship of the god Osiris.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, the discoveries would expand knowledge about the period of more than 2,000 years that spanned the Ptolemaic period, ending with the Roman conquest in 30 BC. c.
Source: RT
