Archaeologists in Egypt unearthed 52 mummies dating back to the Ptolemaic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Several of the mummies, found at the Taposiris Magna temple near Alexandria, were interred with golden tongues, likely placed there as part of a ritual to enable the deceased to speak to Osiris, the god of the underworld, in the afterlife. The excavation also revealed other artifacts including gold foil amulets, pottery, and burial masks.
After an absence of roughly 5,000 years, a spotted hyena has been confirmed in Egypt. Researchers identified the animal through camera trap footage captured in Wadi El Gemal National Park, a protected area in the country's Eastern Desert. This rediscovery is significant, as it marks the return of a large carnivore that was once part of Egypt's ancient fauna and suggests potential range expansion for the species. While the hyena's origin—whether it migrated naturally or was accidentally introduced—remains unclear, its presence has sparked both excitement and concern among researchers who are now working to understand the implications for the local ecosystem.
HN commenters discuss the implications of a spotted hyena being found in Egypt after a 5,000-year absence. Some express skepticism about the claim, pointing to historical accounts and anecdotal evidence suggesting hyenas may have been present more recently, albeit rarely. Others highlight the challenges of definitively proving local extinction and subsequent re-emergence versus continuous, low-density presence. The difficulty of species identification from skeletal remains, especially differentiating striped and spotted hyenas, is also raised. Finally, commenters discuss potential reasons for the hyena's scarcity, including habitat loss and human persecution.
Divers trapped aboard a burning Red Sea liveaboard dive boat for 35 hours recounted harrowing escapes. Some jumped from the upper decks into the darkness, while others waited for rescue boats, navigating through smoke and flames. The fire, believed to have started in the engine room, rapidly engulfed the Hurricane dive boat, forcing passengers and crew to abandon ship with little warning. While all 55 passengers and crew survived, some suffered burns and other injuries. Egyptian authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.
HN commenters discuss the harrowing experience of the divers, with several focusing on the psychological impact of being trapped in the dark for so long. Some question the decision-making of the dive operator, particularly the lack of readily available emergency communication and the delay in rescue efforts. Others praise the divers' resilience and resourcefulness in escaping the sinking boat, highlighting the importance of dive training and maintaining composure in emergencies. A few commenters share personal anecdotes of similar close calls while diving, emphasizing the inherent risks involved in the activity. The discussion also touches on the potential legal ramifications for the dive operator and the need for stricter safety regulations in the diving industry.
Summary of Comments ( 15 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42918850
HN commenters discuss the purpose of the golden tongues, with some suggesting they were intended to allow the deceased to speak to Osiris in the afterlife, referencing similar artifacts and practices. Others speculate about potential symbolic meanings related to speech, silence, or magic. Some express skepticism about the "gold" material, suggesting it could be another metal. There's also a thread questioning the ethics and potential damage caused by such excavations, arguing for leaving artifacts undisturbed. Finally, a few users comment on the sensationalized title and the frequency of similar mummy discoveries in Egypt.
The Hacker News post titled "Excavated: 52 Egyptian Mummies. Over a Dozen Had Mysterious Golden Tongues" linking to a Popular Mechanics article about golden tongues found in mummies sparked a moderate discussion with several interesting comments.
Many commenters focused on the purpose of the golden tongues. One popular theory discussed was that the tongues were meant to allow the deceased to speak to Osiris, the god of the afterlife, in the underworld. This idea was mentioned repeatedly, with some users citing historical and religious context around Egyptian burial practices. One user specifically referenced the "Book of the Dead" and its spells aimed at enabling speech in the afterlife. Another comment built upon this, suggesting the gold might have symbolized the purity of the words spoken to Osiris.
Several commenters also discussed the practical aspects of the process. One questioned how the golden tongues were inserted, speculating about whether the real tongue was removed first or if the gold was simply placed on top. Another user, referencing their experience with modern prosthetic devices, pondered about the potential discomfort or pain such a procedure might have caused, and wondered about the materials and methods used by the ancient Egyptians.
Beyond the practical and religious aspects, some users pointed out the evocative nature of the discovery. One commenter described it as both "fascinating" and "creepy," capturing the mix of awe and unease the practice might inspire.
There was some brief speculation about the social status of those buried with golden tongues. One commenter suggested it might indicate wealth or religious devotion. Another wondered if it was a widespread practice or limited to a specific group or time period.
Finally, a few commenters offered links to further reading and resources related to ancient Egyptian burial practices and the Book of the Dead, allowing interested readers to delve deeper into the topic. One user also provided some corrections regarding the original article, pointing to a potentially misleading figure.
In summary, the comment section provides a mixture of informed speculation about the religious and practical aspects of the golden tongues, reflections on the evocative nature of the discovery, and links to further information. While not an exhaustive scholarly discussion, the comments offer intriguing perspectives on the topic.