Tombs discovered in Egypt are estimated to be 3,300 years old. Archeologists believe the ancient structure was constructed with a 23-foot-tall pyramid, which served as an entrance.
Abydos, a city located about six miles from the Nile River, was the site of this new discovery. This is one of the oldest of all Egyptian cities and was an important religious center. The earliest pharaohs, from around BC 3000 are all interned near the city. Abydos became a center for the worship of the god of the underworld, Osiris. For years, an annual procession was held between a temple to the god in the city and a tomb, which people believed belonged to the deity. We now know the grave holds the remains of a king named Djer.
Researchers believe knowledge gained from building these small pyramids may have led to the construction of the great pyramids hundreds of years later.
A sarcophagus found within a burial chamber in the newly-discovered structure is painted red and an inscription reads the grave is that of Horemheb, an ancient scribe. However, no mummy is lying inside the tomb. Prayers and blessings to assist the deceased with their entrance to the afterlife, as well as pictures of gods, adorn the side of the resting place.
Within the tomb are the remains of three or four men, 10 to 12 women and two or more children. Their identity remains a mystery.
Pyramids of that ancient era were often associated with those connected to the military, although the exact connection between Horemheb and the ancient armed forces of Egypt is unknown. A separate burial chamber, devoid of a sarcophagus, contains shabti figurines. These were believed to perform work for the deceased leader in the afterlife. Writing on these inanimate attendants reveals they were constructed for "Overseer of the Stable, Ramesu." Investigators believe Horemheb and Ramesu may have been father and son, or perhaps brothers. The two names are also identical to a pair of military leaders who lived at the same time. Both of those men later went on to become pharaoh.
"They could actually be emulating their names on these very powerful individuals that eventually became pharaoh, or they could have just been names that were common at the time," Kevin Cahail, from the University of Pennsylvania, and excavation leader, told Live Science.
Archeologists believe the tomb was robbed at least twice during ancient times.
Centuries ago, only the pyramid would have been visible, and the recently-discovered chambers would have been unseen from ground level.
Excavation of the tombs took place at the end of 2013. Analysis of the findings will be presented at the annual meeting of the American Research Center in Egypt.
