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'Lost' Since 1885, Tomb Found Near Cairo

Treasure hunters forgot where Memphis mayor's tomb was

By the Associated Press

Posted May 30, 2010 9:14 AM CDT

(AP) – Archaeologists have discovered the 3,300-year-old tomb of the ancient Egyptian capital's mayor, whose resting place had been lost under the desert sand since 1885, when treasure hunters first carted off some of its trove—only to forget its location. Some of the stolen artifacts ended up in museums, providing the only clues about the missing tomb until now. In the side sanctuaries and other chambers they uncovered, archaeologists found a vivid wall engraving of people fishing from boats made of bundles of papyrus reeds. There were also amulets and fragments of statues.

Ptahmes, the mayor of Memphis, also served as army chief, overseer of the treasury and royal scribe under Seti I and his son and successor, Ramses II, in the 13th century BC. A Cairo University team found the tomb during new excavations that started in 2005. The inner chambers of the large, temple-style tomb and Ptahmes' mummy remain undiscovered.

An unfinished funeral painting from the tomb of Ptahmes, mayor of the ancient Egyptian capital Memphis, in Saqqara, Egypt. Archaeologists discovered the 3,300-year-old tomb earlier this year.
An unfinished funeral painting from the tomb of Ptahmes, mayor of the ancient Egyptian capital Memphis, in Saqqara, Egypt. Archaeologists discovered the 3,300-year-old tomb earlier this year.   (HO)
A sacrifice table from the tomb of Ptahmes, the mayor of the ancient Egyptian capital Memphis, in Saqqara, south of Cairo, Egypt.
A sacrifice table from the tomb of Ptahmes, the mayor of the ancient Egyptian capital Memphis, in Saqqara, south of Cairo, Egypt.   (HO)
Hieroglyphics depicting the name and titled position of Ptahmes, the mayor of the ancient Egyptian capital Memphis, at his tomb in Saqqara, south of Cairo, Egypt.
Hieroglyphics depicting the name and titled position of Ptahmes, the mayor of the ancient Egyptian capital Memphis, at his tomb in Saqqara, south of Cairo, Egypt.   (HO)
The tomb of Ptahmes, the mayor of the ancient Egyptian capital Memphis, in Saqqara, south of Cairo, Egypt.
The tomb of Ptahmes, the mayor of the ancient Egyptian capital Memphis, in Saqqara, south of Cairo, Egypt.   (HO)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
summerfairy
Jun 1, 2010 10:59 AM CDT
Mickie lost the tomb again.
I did not.
Yes you did.
well you had it last.
No, you had it last.
MDK
May 30, 2010 6:46 PM CDT
I'd say that's a Pharaoh'ld find.

Copyright 2013 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

 

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