Archaeologists uncovered hundreds of 5,000-year-old sealed wine jars inside a tomb that shed light on the important role of women during the early days of the ancient Egyptian Empire.
Egyptologists have long believed women did not ascend to power within the ancient Egyptian Empire until a few centuries after its First Dynasty. But new evidence shared online Monday by Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is helping to rewrite this narrative, showing just how important one woman was to this magical part of our history.
Sealed wine jars were reportedly uncovered in excellent condition in a tomb in Umm Al-Qaab in Abydos. The tomb is believed to have belonged to Queen Merneith, a powerful ruler of the ancient world, according to Ancient Origins. But the inscriptions within the tomb are what is really changing the game.
The inscriptions show Merneith had a “great position as she was in charge of offices of the central government,” German Institute in Cairo researcher Dr. Dietersh Rao said of the discovery, according to Ancient Origins. It is believed Merneith claimed power around the year 3050 or 3000 B.C., after the death of her husband, Djet. (RELATED: The Asteroid That Killed The Dinosaurs Did Not Create A ‘Nuclear Winter,’ Scientists Claim)
There are many other female rulers who’ve helped modern-day archaeologists and researchers understand the importance of women to ancient Egyptians. But Merneith appears to be one of the first, if not the first woman to rule over this period of history.
Her burial place amongst male royals, and the wealth of other artifacts within her tomb, suggest she was one of the most beloved members of the ancient royal Egyptian Dynasty, per Ancient Origins. Overtime, her people might’ve forgot her as Egypt went through several dark ages before collapsing entirely.