Archaeologists in Egypt have discovered the ancient tomb of Sekhentio-Ptah, an official who served as the “keeper of the secrets of royal decrees” during the Old Kingdom (2649 to 2150 B.C.). The tomb was found at Saqqara, a site known for its pyramids and later, cat burials.
The decorated burial site belonged to Sekhentio-Ptah, who also held the titles “Overseer of all the King's Works” and “Overseer of Royal Documents,” according to a statement from Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. While the title “keeper of the secrets of royal decrees” sounds mysterious, Ann Macy Roth, a clinical professor of Egyptology at New York University, explained that it was likely a bureaucratic position. “It probably merely means that as someone in charge of royal documents and the people who write them, he has access to confidential information,” Roth told Live Science in an email. “It’s a common title among royal scribes.”
Within the tomb, archaeologists found an offering table, a purification basin, and two false doors. These false doors, common in ancient Egyptian tombs, were believed to allow the soul to exit and enter at will. Roth estimates the design of the false doors dates the tomb to the late fifth or early sixth dynasty, approximately 4,350 years ago. The team also discovered over 100 shabtis, figurines believed to serve the deceased in the afterlife, a wooden statue of a falcon (possibly representing the falcon-headed god Horus), and remains of cartonnage, a plastered material used on mummies.
The mummy of Sekhentio-Ptah was not identified. Roth noted that the tomb likely experienced reuse for later burials, a common practice in ancient Egypt. She believes the shabtis and cartonnage likely belong to these later interments. The tomb was discovered in the Bubasteion area of Saqqara, a site historically associated with Bastet, the cat-shaped goddess of fertility and protection, though no cat burials were found in this particular tomb.
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