A historic and quite interesting discovery. Maybe we will learn more about ancient surgical procedures, as well as more about Pharaonic Egypt?
Archaeologists Unearth Ancient Egypt Doctor’s Tomb
Archaeologists sifting through the desert sands near Cairo have discovered the oldest-known tomb of a pharaonic surgeon, dating back more than 4,000 years, a top Egyptian antiquities official said Tuesday.
``For the first time, a discovery has been made of a doctor’s tomb dating back 4,200 years,‘’ said Zahi Hawass, antiquities chief in the Giza pyramids area.
``We found 30 surgical tools (inside the tomb) used by the ancient Egyptian doctor,‘’ he told Reuters at the site in Sakkara, near the Egyptian capital.
Hawass said the grave of Skar, the chief physician of one of Egypt’s Fifth Dynasty rulers, contained bronze medical implements such as scalpels, needles and a type of spoon. He said the discovery would help scholars gain new insights into ancient medical techniques.
``Inside, this tomb has a number of beautiful scenes (on the walls) revealing the daily life (of the Fifth Dynasty) … colored in beautiful colors that are special to the Sakkara area,‘’ he said.
Hawass said archaeologists also found an alabaster altar and 22 statues of different gods and goddesses inside the tomb.
It is surely a wonderous finding,to think that they had so much knowledge of the human body all those years ago-It makes me wonder,what must the first person have thought,before actually cutting into a person,in order to cure him.He must have had a lot of faith in his own ability.
What is the name of the doctor please.Because it might even be Imhotep.The famous architect and builder of step pyramid of Zoser, which is also situated at Sakkara.He was also a renown physisian.So anyone please tell me the name of the doctor because I am greatly interested in this Imhotep.
Imhotep was an official during the 3rd Dynasty and served under four kings. He is best known
for his position as vizier and high priest of Ptah during the reign of Djoser I. Imhotep was a
commoner by birth, but rose through the ranks with his natural talents and dedication. Imhotep
was called the "Son of Ptah" but didn't limit himself to religious matters alone. He was a very
good poet, architect, and priest-physician. The greatest achievement of Imhotep is the Step
Pyramid at Saqqara. He built this pyramid for Djoser, but it became an architectural model for
the spiritual ideals of the people of Egypt.
Djoser's Step Pyramid was not just a tomb, but was a collection of temples, pavilions,
corridors, chapels, halls and storerooms. His plan included fluted columns that were attached
to the limestone walls, which conformed to the walls in the palace. This preserved a link with
the past in the ancient styles of architecture.
His best known writings were medical writings. He was honored by the Greeks during the
Roman period. The emperors Claudius and Tiberius had inscriptions praising Imhotep placed
On the walls of their Egyptian temples.
But,perhaps you said 5th dynasty didn't you?
Guzar Ja Aaqal Say aagay Ke Yeh Nur
Chiragh-e-Rah Hai Manzil Nahi Hai
so have’nt had a chance to leave the apartment, soon inshallah. Although Ali R may have a point when does a grave become an archeolical find…I have wondered this for some time.
One wonders what people used to before surgery? How they used to cure ailments and illnesses? This find is quite valuable in ascertaining that, and hopefully we will learn of how surgery first came about.
Thap, you are excused for now, but as soon as you are well you be off to those Pyramids. You are GupShup’s resident Egyptologist, and we need your expert opinion on this find.