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.
In a remarkable archaeological discovery near the ancient Egyptian city of Taposiris Magna, situated southwest of Alexandria, a team of archaeologists has unearthed an astounding 52 mummies dating back to the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. These mummies, interred within a network of burial shafts carved deep into the bedrock, offer a captivating glimpse into the funerary practices and beliefs of the era. While the majority of the mummies were found in a relatively poor state of preservation, likely due to the ravages of time and the less elaborate methods of embalming employed for individuals of presumably lower social standing, a select few were adorned with meticulously crafted golden tongues.
This unique and perplexing feature, discovered in over a dozen of the excavated mummies, has ignited considerable scholarly intrigue. The purpose of these gilded tongues remains shrouded in mystery, though several hypotheses have been proposed. One prominent theory posits that the golden tongues served a ritualistic function, enabling the deceased to eloquently plead their case before Osiris, the Egyptian god of the underworld and judge of the dead. In this interpretation, the golden tongue acted as a symbolic prosthesis, ensuring clear communication and persuasive speech in the afterlife. Another possible explanation suggests that the golden tongues were intended to magically protect the deceased from malevolent forces or curses believed to be prevalent in the realm of the dead. This protective amulet theory aligns with the ancient Egyptian belief in the power of spells and amulets to ward off evil.
The excavation also yielded other fascinating artifacts, including gilded masks, cartonnage decorations adorned with gold leaf, and papyri fragments. These accompanying finds, while less sensational than the golden tongues, contribute significantly to our understanding of the deceased individuals and the broader cultural context of their burials. The cartonnage decorations, in particular, showcase the artistic skill and craftsmanship of the period, while the papyri fragments hold the potential to reveal valuable information about the lives and beliefs of the people who inhabited Taposiris Magna during this pivotal period in Egyptian history. Further research and analysis of these artifacts promise to shed more light on the enigmatic golden tongues and the intricate funerary rituals practiced in ancient Egypt. The ongoing archaeological investigation at Taposiris Magna continues to unlock secrets of the past and deepen our appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of this ancient civilization.
Summary of Comments ( 15 )
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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.