– credit Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

In a big week for Egyptian archaeology, the tomb of a “conjurer-doctor” was found in ancient Saqqara.

Dating back 4,100 years, the tomb was heavily decorated with paintings and hieroglyphic inscriptions in vivid colors.

– credit Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

In life, this individual was known as Tetinebefou, “conjurer of the goddess Serket,”  “director of medicinal plants,” and “chief dentist.”

Serket was a goddess associated with scorpions and protection from their stings, while the title director of medicinal plants is known from only one other inscription from ancient Egypt. Any reference to dentistry is rare as well.

“He was certainly the main physician at the royal court, so he would have treated the pharaoh himself,” Philippe Collombert, leader of the Swiss-French team that excavated Tetinebefou’s tomb, said in an email to Live Science.

While the sarcophagus was absent, a stone coffin revealed more hieroglyphic inscriptions bearing the name and titles of Tetinebefou.

GNN has reported before on the medical capabilities of the ancient Egyptians, which included a successful surgery for a brain tumor. One imagines then that the titles this physician earned were likely based on merit.

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“The tomb is adorned with stunning carvings and vibrant artwork, including a beautifully painted false door and scenes of funerary offerings,” the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said in a statement, adding that the discovery reveals “new aspects of the culture of daily life in the era of the Old Kingdom through texts and drawings found on the walls.”

– credit Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

The tomb was likely looted in ancient times. Saqqara is a burial site for high-ranking members of the Old Kingdom, and Tetinebefou lived likely during the time of Pepi II of the sixth dynasty. United and still building pyramids, the end of the sixth dynasty is marked by the fracturing of the empire known as the First Intermediate Period.

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