Archaeologists in the ancient Egyptian city of Tanis have uncovered a remarkable funerary mystery involving two pharaohs. A French archaeological mission led by Frédéric Payraudeau from Sorbonne University discovered 225 funerary statuettes of King Shoshenq III located in the tomb of King Osorkon II, rather than in Shoshenq III’s own burial site. This unexpected finding suggests a complex relationship between the two rulers during their time in the 22nd Dynasty.
The statuettes, known as ushabti, were designed to serve the deceased in the afterlife. The mission reported that these figurines were found in their original positions, surrounded by silt and near a previously uncovered granite coffin whose owner remains unidentified. The discovery was shared via social media by Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
Significance of the Discovery
Both Shoshenq III and Osorkon II ruled during a tumultuous era known as the Third Intermediate Period, which lasted from approximately 1069 to 525 BCE. This period is characterized by political instability and fragmentation within ancient Egypt. Payraudeau indicated that Shoshenq III’s reign was marked by conflict, including a violent dynastic war involving rival kings from the North and South of Egypt.
The tomb of Osorkon II had already gained fame due to the discovery of the “Tanis Treasures” in 1939, which are now housed at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir. The recent findings at Osorkon II’s tomb point to a likelihood that Shoshenq III wished for an opulent afterlife, as evidenced by the abundance of funerary goods discovered.
What Lies Ahead for Archaeological Research
Questions remain regarding the circumstances of Shoshenq III’s burial. It is unclear whether he was interred within Osorkon II’s tomb or if his burial items were relocated there to protect them from theft. Hisham Hussein, head of the Central Administration of Antiquities of the Maritime Region, noted that the situation is still under investigation.
Payraudeau has suggested that the presence of the statuettes near the unidentified sarcophagus, along with inscriptions on the connected wall, clearly indicates that Shoshenq III was indeed buried within Osorkon II’s tomb. Interestingly, although Shoshenq III has his own tomb in Tanis, some of the relics found there bear the name of Shoshenq IV, a ruler from the 23rd Dynasty. This raises additional questions about the movements of royal remains during this chaotic period.
As the archaeological team proceeds with their research, they plan to analyze the newly found inscriptions that may further illuminate the connections between these two significant figures in ancient Egyptian history. The uncovering of 225 ushabti signifies that Shoshenq III anticipated a well-appointed afterlife, reinforcing the grandeur associated with pharaonic burials.
