Archaeologists have discovered the lavishly decorated tomb of an ancient Egyptian priestess, giving a rare glimpse of the life of a high-ranking woman more than 4,000 years ago.
The tomb belongs to Hetpet, who served as a priestess to Hathor, the goddess of fertility, music, and dance. While female priests weren’t common in ancient Egypt, Hathor’s priesthood included a number of priestesses.
The find marks Egypt’s first archaeological discovery of the year, Minister of Antiquities Khaled El-Enany announced at a press conference Saturday in Giza.
Inside the tomb, Hetpet’s name and titles are engraved on a purification basin, AFP reports. The tomb is also decorated with remarkably preserved paintings, including Hetpet in hunting and fishing scenes and depictions of people melting metal, making leather goods, and dancing. Continue reading
