2,000 Mummified Ram Heads Unearthed in Sohag

An American archaeological mission from New York University's Institute for the Study of the Ancient World has uncovered about 2,000 mummified ram heads. Dating back to the Ptolemaic period, these ram heads were found at the temple of Ramses II in the ancient city of Abydos in Sohag.

Additionally, the mission unearthed a large palatial structure with walls about five metres thick belonging to the Old Kingdom’s sixth dynasty along with several statues, papyri, remains of an ancient tree, leather garments and shoes.

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities stated that many other artefacts were found in the archaeological site such as mummified ewes, dogs, cows, wild goats, gazelles, and mongooses. All of these are thought to be votive offerings indicating reverence for Ramses II.

This archaeological site was a necropolis for early ancient Egyptian royalties and a pilgrimage centre for worshippers of Osiris, the ancient Egyptian god of the underworld.