Hundreds of sealed vessels were found in the tomb of the Egyptian queen consort Merneite in Abydos, Egypt. The vessels are believed to contain ancient wine and were found in excellent condition. Mustafa Waziri, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Archaeology, stated that the traces of wine inside are approximately 5,000 years old. In addition to the vases, archaeologists found a collection of funerary furniture.
The excavations have provided new information about the life and reign of Merneite, who may have been the first or second queen of Egypt. According to Dietersh Rao, director of the German Institute in Cairo, a study of the inscriptions on one of the tablets found inside the tomb showed that the queen had a great position, as she “was in charge of the central government offices.” The director also signaled that the mission continues to work in an attempt to discover more secrets about the history and identity of this ruler.
Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities reported that Queen Merneite’s tomb was constructed of raw bricks, clay and wooden planks. Studies carried out at the cemetery have indicated that the queen may be the only woman from the first family to have her royal tomb discovered in Abydos so far. At the site, there is also a set of 41 tombs for his “escort” made up of his servants, indicating that these burials occurred during different phases.
Merneite’s tomb was discovered in 1900 by Flinders Petrie in an area associated with other First Dynasty pharaohs. Some of the evidence that the burial belonged to her was found in two stone stelae identifying the tomb as that of the queen.
At the site, there is also a set of 41 tombs for her “escort” made up of her servants, indicating that these burials occurred during different phases.
Merneite is believed to have assumed power in Egypt around 3050 to 3000 BC following the death of her husband. Meneith’s son Den was too young to ascend the throne at the time, so the queen consort became regent until her heir came of age.