Step into the Valley of the Golden Mummies, a mesmerizing Greco-Roman necropolis nestled in the heart of the Western Desert, just a stone’s throw away from El Bahariya Oasis. Unearthed by the intrepid explorer Ashry Shaker in 1996, this ancient burial ground has been hailed as a groundbreaking discovery akin to the unearthing of Tutankhamun’s tomb. With an expanse spanning over 6 square kilometers, the valley is believed to house a staggering number of mummies, possibly
exceeding 10,000 in total.
Led by the esteemed Dr. Zahi Hawass, the excavation team has uncovered a wealth of treasures within the necropolis. Rows of Roman mummies rest peacefully in multi-chambered family tombs, their burial sites untouched by grave robbers. Some mummies lie within ornate gilded coffins, adorned with golden masks and jewelry, surrounded by a trove of burial goods including wine jars, coins, pottery, and amulets for the afterlife.
Venture deeper into the tombs, and you’ll discover over 230 mummies, each with its own unique story to tell. Golden masks, intricately carved coffins, wooden panels, stelae, and papyri are tucked away in niches, offering a glimpse into the lives of the ancient inhabitants of Bahariya. From plain linen-wrapped mummies to elaborately decorated cartonnage coffins, each burial reveals a different facet of funerary customs and beliefs.
As you peer beneath the linen wrappings, you’ll notice sticks placed on either side of the mummies, a clever method used to maintain their rigid form throughout the ages. The Valley of the Golden Mummies beckons you to unravel its mysteries and delve into a world where the past comes alive in dazzling splendor.
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