Tomb of Osiris – God of the Dead – Discovered in Egypt

A team of Spanish-Italian archaeologists with the help of Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities have discovered the tomb of Osiris, the God of the Dead, in Egypt.

The discovery was made in the necropolis of Sheikh Abd el-Qurna, which is on the West bank of Thebes. It is a massive ancient reproduction of the mythical tomb of Osiris. Similar in description to Egyptian legend, it is inclusive of multiple shafts and chambers.

In the tomb complex, the archaeologists discovered a carving of Osiris and a room with morbid images of demons holding knives.

The Egyptogogists - Milagros Alvarez Sosa of Spain and Irene Morfini of Italy – who unearthed the tomb, have also been examining the tomb of Min, which is located close to this site. Min was a tutor to the Pharaoh Amenhotep II, who ruled from 1427-1401 B.C.

The researchers believe that the tomb of Osiris was built during the 25th dynasty, anywhere between 760 B.C and 656 B.C. The discovery includes a large main hall that is supported by five enormous pillars and a staircase that leads to an underground funeral room. There is yet another staircase with a 30 feet shaft, which takes you to two additional rooms. Meanwhile, the centre of the vault has a carving of Osiris.

"The symbolism of Osiris is very evident here, since all the elements recalling the mythical Osiris tomb are present...a big staircase of 3.5 meter long with a 4 meter high ceiling at the bottom leading to the Netherworld and another one leading directly to the Osiris statue, which is therefore at a higher level and ideally isolated on 'his island'; the Osiris statue itself; the empty corridor surrounding it which symbolizes the channel of water (see Osireion in Abydos); the expected burial chamber below the statue, thus identifying the deceased with Osiris," writes Luxor Times Magazine.

The researchers revealed that the tomb was partially uncovered around the1880s by archaeologist Philippe Virey. In the 20th century as well experts had made a few attempts to map the main part of the tomb, but current extensive excavations made it possible to unearth it completely

According to the Spanish news agency EFE, the tomb consists of all the features that the ancient Egyptian legends stated. According to ancient-origins.net, the tomb is a mini version of the design of the Osireion that was built under Egyptian Pharaoh Seti I in Abydos, Luxor.