Archeologists discover 26000-year-old ancient Egyptian treasure; find out what does the treasure contain
Jewellery in ancient Egypt was not merely for adornment—it was an integral part of the culture and was thought to have protective qualities. Everyone wore these adornments from the poorest farmers to the wealthiest pharaohs. Recently, archaeologists in Egypt found a treasure that is thousands of years old and gives a lot of information about the role of jewelry in ancient Egyptian culture.
A recent priceless treasure has been excavated in the Karnak temple complex by the Egyptian-French Centre for the Study of Karnak Temples (CFEETK) , this discovery has been done in association with the Supreme Council of Antiquities and the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS). The treasure consists of a broken pot excavated at the archaeological site with gold jewelry, statues of deities, beads, and a brooch from around 2,600 years ago during Egypt’s 26th dynasty.
Why was jewellery so precious for the Egyptians?
In ancient Egypt, jewelry was believed to have “apotropaic” powers, meaning it could ward off evil. For the living, these adornments were thought to protect against disease and danger. For the deceased, jewelry served as a safeguard for eternity. This belief shows the spiritual significance that jewelry had in the lives of ancient Egyptians. Even a single bead was considered a window into their culture and beliefs.
The Karnak temple complex, which has a lot of historical and architectural importance, evolved over the course of millennia, mostly during the 12th and 20th dynasties. One of its most special aspects is the Temple of Amun-Ra. This latest discovery at this site has been an addition to the rich collection of artifacts that have been excavated, that give information into the religious and cultural beliefs of ancient Egypt.
What does the newly discovered treasure symbolise?
The treasure unearthed in the excavation site consists of well-made gold ornaments, which were highly prized because of their durability and divine origin. The artifacts also display the level of sophistication that prevailed in ancient Egyptian craftsmanship. Alongside the treasure, many statues of gods were also discovered.
These idols were also adorned with ornaments, reflecting the importance of religious beliefs in ancient Egyptian society. These statues were most likely used in rituals as well as in the offerings, verifying the belief in the protective and good power of the gods.
The beads and brooch from the broken pot also illustrate the variety of jewelry from ancient Egypt. Beads, often cut from precious metal and stone, were strung into intricate necklaces and bracelets. The brooch, a stylish pin, shows the style and function of jewelry in ancient Egyptian times.
