On Nov. 5, the Ancient Origins organization reported that archaeologists unintentionally discovered what appeared to be an Egyptian Tomb. This tomb seems to be dated back all the way to the Middle Kingdom period (20240 -1782 BC). The archaeologists predict that these findings could help ‘provide fresh insights’ into what once were the funerary practices of the 12th and 13th century Egyptian Dynasties. Within the tomb, the bones of men, women and children, along with rare artifacts that haven’t been touched for thousands of years and in their original conditions were found.

The secretary general of the Supreme Council of Archaeology in Egypt, Mohamed Ismail Khaled, talked about the importance of the discovery, saying that this discovery was the first in the region from the Middle Kingdom. Kahled called this discovery one that will “change the history of the area.”

Within the discovery of this tomb from the 25th dynasty of Egypt, known as Karabasken, there were 11 graves of remains found, as well as jewelry that linked the pieces to high-status families from that time period. Ayman Ashmawi, head of the Egyptian Archaeological Sector, stated that even though recent flooding in the area had caused damage to the timber coffins and linens in which the bodies were wrapped, most of the contents of the tomb were surprisingly preserved. Some of the jewelry discovered was even found on the skeletal remains of their original owners.

One of the most shocking finds was a necklace that was held together by 30 cylinder-shaped beads of amethyst stone and two stones made of agate, all surrounding a hippopotamus head in the center of the necklace. Other necklaces, bracelets, rings, chains, and belts featured red agate and blue-green ceramic all in the shapes of falcons, snake heads, and hippos. The significance of the hippopotamus head meant fertility, power, wealth, life, rebirth and regeneration.

More findings within the tomb included copper mirrors, a small statue of a venetian stone decorated with more jewelry, a square table made to hold incense all surrounded by motifs of a bulls head and loaf of bread. The incense and bread were meant to help preserve the deceased in the afterlife.

Excavations will continue in the future as archaeologists hope to uncover more secrets from the ancient world.