Archaeologists unearthed several goods in the late Queen Meret-Neith's tomb complex. The rare find includes hundreds of jars of wine and other items that only show her wealth and status.
Ancient Wine Unearthed in Egyptian Queen Meret-Neith's Tomb
Archaeologists have discovered many burial goods in the tomb of the First Dynasty Egyptian queen Meret-Neith, including hundreds of enormous wine jars, some of which were still sealed. They claim that these relics support the idea that she was a figure of enormous importance, even Egypt's first female pharaoh.
Inscriptions stating that Meret-Neith was in charge of significant offices, such as the royal treasury, were also uncovered, in addition to the wine jars, which were discovered to contain grape seeds and the remnants of the liquid they once held. The discovery strengthens earlier proof of the queen's prominence.
Meret-Neith reportedly lived 5,000 years ago and ruled Egypt around 2950 BC. At the very least, she served as regent and queen-consort. Archaeologists have not conclusively ascertained her rank despite the fact that she may have been a pharaoh in her own right. A thousand years later, Sobekneferu became the first queen to be known to hold the complete regal titulary.
At the royal necropolis of Abydos, Meret-Neith's tomb has undeniable proof of her significance. She was interred among the male pharaohs' tombs, and her tomb was as large and luxurious. She was probably the most influential woman in her era.
An international team of archaeologists working with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is currently trying to learn more about the opulent monument Meret-Neith. Christiana Köhler of the University of Vienna leads the team.
Additionally, modern archaeological methods were employed to learn more about the construction process of the burial monument. The complex where Meret-Neith was buried was made of unbaked brick, clay, and wood, and it housed the tombs of the 41 courtiers and servants buried next to her.
According to the investigation, this was not constructed all at once but in phases over time. This suggests that these burial companions may not have been killed as ritual sacrifices but rather laid to rest with the queen after their lifetimes, maybe as an act of honor.
The tomb is still being worked on to learn more about this enigmatic queen, who has fascinated people for thousands of years after she left this world.
Who Is Queen Meret-Neith?
Meret-Neith, also known as Mer-Neith, Merit-Neit, or Meryet-Nit, was the early queen of Egypt and possibly regent on behalf of an underaged son. She is the mother of King Den (First Dynasty). She is listed on a necropolis seal identifying kings from Narmer to Den and has her tomb in the Abydos King's Cemetery. This proof suggests she may have served as queen regent for a while.
At the beginning of Egypt's history, she acquired a position that a woman rarely held. She undoubtedly had grave markers that were comparable in scale to those of kings, as well as ancillary graves. A treasure is also confirmed to exist for her. She does not, however, appear to have had any regal titles. Therefore, most modern experts believe that this individual belonged to the First Dynasty of ancient Egypt and was a queen.
Mer-neith is thought to have acted as King Den's regent and established the title of King's Mother because, like the previous queen Neithotep, she inscribed her name within the kingly serekh design. Years later, she was listed as a ruler on the Palermo-based king list.
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