Ancient Egyptian priest’s tomb discovered in Giza

WASHINGTON - Archaeologists have discovered the tomb of a pharaonic priest, which is more than 4,000 years old, near the Giza pyramids.

Egypt’s authorities announced that the beautifully decorated, the burial site is located near the tombs of the pyramid-builders.

The tomb belonged to Rudj-Ka, a priest who lived during the fifth dynasty (2465 - 2323 B.C.) and was responsible for the mortuary cult of the pharaoh Khafre, also known as Chephren.

The son of Khufu, or Cheops, the Fourth Dynasty king Khafre is best known as the owner of the second largest of the Giza Pyramids.

According to Zahi Hawass, general secretary of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, Khafre’s pyramid complex and mortuary cult remained functioning well after the king’s death, thanks to a group of priests who conducted rituals and prayers in honour of the dead pharaoh and Rudj-Ka was one of those priests.

Built from limestone blocks, which create a maze-like pathway to the main entrance, Rudj-Ka’s tomb is cut directly into a cliff face and boasts walls painted with beautiful scenes of daily life in ancient Egypt.

A wall painting shows Rudj-ka fishing and sailing whereas another scene portrays the priest and his wife in front of an offering table loaded with gifts of bread, goose and cattle.

According to Hawass, the discovery might indicate that an unknown larger necropolis lies near the three famous pyramids.

“This tomb could be the first of many in the area. Hopefully we have located a new necropolis dedicated to certain members of the royal court,” Discovery News quoted Hawass as saying in a statement.

He also speculated that the area could be a continuation of the western necropolis at Giza, which may have resulted from overcrowding in the Giza plateau. (ANI)