Egypt celebrates rare discovery of mummified lion cubs, cats, and crocodiles

Egypt has revealed an extraordinary find of numerous mummified sacred animals, including cats, crocodiles, and two lion cubs, unearthed during the excavation of a royal priest's tomb.

Khaled El-Enany, Egypt's Minister of Antiquities, announced on Saturday that the discovery dates back to the 7th century BC and could fill an entire museum on its own.

At the Saqqara necropolis near the Giza Pyramids in Cairo, Egypt uncovered a collection of 75 wooden and bronze statues, along with five lion cub mummies adorned with hieroglyphs.

At the Saqqara necropolis near the Giza Pyramids in Cairo, Egypt unveiled 75 wooden and bronze statues and five lion cub mummies, each inscribed with hieroglyphs. KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images

The discovery included 25 intricately decorated wooden boxes inscribed with hieroglyphs, containing mummified cats, as well as 75 boxes featuring wooden and bronze cat statues.

Mostafa Waziri, Secretary General of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, highlighted that the most significant finds were five mummified large cats. A CT scan of two of these mummies revealed they were lion cubs, according to a post on the Ministry of Antiquities' Facebook page. He mentioned that further research would be conducted for more insights.

The mummified remains of a cat are displayed following the announcement of a new discovery made by an Egyptian archaeological team.

The mummified remains of a cat are shown after the announcement of a recent discovery by an Egyptian archaeological team. KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images

Cat statues are showcased following the announcement of a new discovery by an Egyptian archaeological team at the Saqqara necropolis in Giza, just south of Cairo, on November 23, 2019.

Cat statues are presented following the announcement of a groundbreaking discovery made by an Egyptian archaeological team at the Saqqara necropolis in Giza, south of Cairo, on November 23, 2019. KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images

Although mummified cats, cherished as both pets and sacred figures in ancient Egypt, are relatively common, lion mummies are far rarer.

French Egyptologist Alain Zivie had previously discovered a mummified male lion near the same location, El-Enany revealed, shedding light on their sacred role in ancient Egyptian culture.

Other key discoveries included a large stone scarab hidden inside a wooden box, two small wooden and sandstone scarabs, and three crocodile statues containing the mummified remains of small crocodiles inside.

A statue of a cat. KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images

Dozens of statues representing ancient Egyptian gods were also discovered, including 73 bronze figurines of the god Osiris. The ministry reported finding “carefully mummified” scarab beetles, as well as mummified cobras and crocodiles.

Cat statues were displayed on November 23, 2019.

Cat statues were showcased on November 23, 2019. KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images

The animal mummies and other artifacts were uncovered at the Saqqara necropolis near the Giza pyramids, located south of Cairo.

The site is home to a 4,000-year-old private tomb belonging to a royal priest from the fifth dynasty, renowned for its remarkably well-preserved artwork. The discovery was announced last year.

The discovery of these mummies is the latest in a series of recent archaeological finds in Egypt. The country aims to boost tourism to a destination that has struggled since the 2011 uprising.

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