Home News Ancient Egyptian Mummies with Golden Tongues Unveiled

Ancient Egyptian Mummies with Golden Tongues Unveiled

Sep 17, 2026
62 min
9
Sep 17, 2026 15:30
Mystery of the golden tongues: 13 mummies reveal secrets of ancient Egypt

## Discovery in Minya

Thirteen ancient Egyptian mummies, each with a golden tongue, have been unearthed in Minya. This intriguing find offers insights into ancient beliefs about the afterlife and speech.

## Historical Context

The mummies date back to the Ptolemaic period, spanning from 304 BC to 30 BC. The golden tongues were likely intended to enable the deceased to speak in the afterlife, reflecting the significance of gold in ancient Egyptian culture due to its association with the gods and immortality.

## Additional Findings

Alongside the golden tongues, archaeologists discovered 29 amulets, including scarabs and symbols linked to deities like Horus and Isis. Some mummies also had gold foil on their fingers and toes, possibly for protection in the afterlife.

## Unique Tomb Art

A chamber at the site revealed colorful wall paintings, including scenes of the tomb owner, Wen Nefer, and his family making offerings to the gods. This depiction is unique to the site and adds to our understanding of ancient Egyptian funerary practices.

## Significance of the Site

The site at Oxyrhynchus, known locally as Al Bahnasa, has yielded artifacts from various periods, including the Roman era, making it crucial for studying the evolution of religious and social customs in ancient Egypt.

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