Previously unknown hieroglyphic inscriptions documented

Archaeologists discovered numerous previously unknown ancient hieroglyphic inscriptions the majority of which were written on rocks surrounding the temple of Hathor in Gebelein, Central Egypt. The rock inscriptions date back to around 1770-1400 BC.

Research at the site (by Gebelein Archaeological Project)

According to Wojciech Ejsmond, leading the project, the inscriptions – made either by etching or painted on the surface – are a valuable source for study of the ancient beliefs. Most of the religious text are known from temples and tombs, but the newly found ones seem to have belonged to ordinary ancient Egyptians. For example, one of the inscriptions states: “Temple Scribe Sanebiu adores Hathor, Lady of Gebelein“. The translations reveal that these are short texts asking the deities for intervention Scribe or thanking them. Some of them might have been created during religious holidays. The researchers believe that the inscriptions have been made by local priests, pilgrims, and people related to the local temples of Hathor, Anubis and Sobek. Some contain ancient names of the authors, such as mentioned Senebiu.

Overview of the site (by Gebelein Archaeological Project)

The shape of the hill changed on the course of passed centuries therefore the area where the inscriptions were found is very inaccessible, and the texts can’t be read without use of climbing gear or extended arms for cameras. site of the temple was known earlier and studied previously by the team, but the inscriptions in its vicinity haven’t been previously noticed. Archaeologists established that the temple was built during reign of Hatshepsut and dedicated to Hathor.

(after Gebelein Archaeological Project & Nauka w Polsce)

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