Archaeologists discovered a 2,600-year-old tomb in Egypt in the spring of 2022, believed to have belonged to what researchers call a “Commander of Foreign Mercenaries” named Wahibre-mery-Neith.
The mummified remains of Wahibre-mery-Neith were likely stolen by grave robbers at some point over the last 2,600 years, but archeologists identified his sarcophagus and some bizarre materials within the tomb in 2021, LiveScience reported. The tomb also houses the largest embalming cache ever discovered in Egypt, a press release from the research leaders at the Czech Institute of Egyptology at Charles University reported.
More than 370 pottery storage jars containing materials used in the mummification process were discovered within the tomb, the release continued. Understanding why Wahibre-mery-Neith was buried with the largest known embalming cache discovered from ancient Egypt “is a difficult question,” research director Misoslav Barta told LiveScience. “At this stage of analysis we don’t know.”
Exciting news from #Abusir! Newly discovered shaft tomb of Wahibre-mery-Neith, Commander of Foreign Mercenaries. He is the owner of the enormous #embalmingcache found by the team in 2021. Congratulations @CzechEgyptology! #Egypt #archaeology #discovery https://t.co/KbYuNiprR1 pic.twitter.com/Z6xV4ZB2aw
— Aleksandra Hallmann (@alekshallmann) July 15, 2022
Though Wahibre-mery-Neith’s sarcophagus was damaged, hieroglyphs from chapter 72 of the Book of the Dead and details on his identity remained intact, LiveScience noted. No armor or weapons were discovered in the tomb, which one historian said might suggest that Wahibre-mery-Neith was a politician rather than a warrior, the outlet reported. (RELATED: Enormous Sinkhole Discovered With Shocking Interior)
He is believed to have commanded mercenaries from the Aegean Island and Asia Minor during the first-known attempt at globalization, Archeology reported. Wahibre-mery-Neith’s lifetime is estimated to be around the 26th Dynasty or 27th Dynasty —or the early fifth century BC — according to the release.
Scientists Stumble Upon Never-Before-Seen Underwater ‘Road’https://t.co/M9A74l6rjW
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) May 11, 2022
Researchers believe Wahibre-mery-Neith died suddenly without warning. The unfinished decorations within the tomb suggest the ancient commander’s death occurred at a time of crisis for the Egyptian people, right at the start of the Persian dominion in Egypt, the release noted.