Gaby
Austrian and German archaeologists have excavated the burial complex of Meret-Neit in Abydos, in central Egypt. Researchers date the queen’s reign to around 3000 BC.
The massive tomb, built from unbaked mud bricks, clay, and wood, was first discovered in 1900. For a long time, experts struggled to place Meret-Neit within the political hierarchy of her time. But each new study produced increasingly compelling artifacts indicating that Meret-Neit was the most powerful woman of her era—a queen of the First Dynasty, predating Queen Hatshepsut.
This conclusion was reinforced by the fact that Meret-Neit’s burial complex was as large and opulent as those of male pharaohs. In addition to the queen’s burial chamber, it contained the tombs of 41 courtiers and servants, the New York Post reported.
Now, a team led by Professor Christiane Köhler of the University of Vienna has uncovered many intriguing artifacts, including previously unknown inscriptions. Those inscriptions indicate that Meret-Neit oversaw state offices, including the treasury, further emphasizing her high status in Ancient Egypt’s hierarchy.
The Truth Is in the Wine — Even in the Afterlife
Researchers suggest the queen and her household enjoyed wine. The team excavated hundreds of sealed jars containing traces of a 5,000-year-old beverage.
Most of the large vessels were remarkably well preserved, but it’s still unclear whether the wine was red or white. Inside the jars archaeologists found organic residues, grape seeds, and crystals—possibly tartar. Köhler said those materials need laboratory analysis.
The sealed wine jars contained remarkably preserved grape seeds.
“These new excavations shed light on this unique woman and her era,” Professor Köhler said.
