Discovery of Royal Physician Teti Neb Fu’s Tomb in Saqqara!
In an exciting archaeological breakthrough, a team of French and Swiss experts has unearthed the tomb of Teti Neb Fu, a royal physician from Egypt’s Sixth Dynasty. This ancient burial site, located in Saqqara near Memphis, sheds light on the remarkable medical and spiritual practices of the time, blending science with magic.
Photo Credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
The Life and Legacy of Teti Neb Fu
Teti Neb Fu was no ordinary doctor. Serving during the reign of King Pepi II approximately 4,000 years ago, he held titles such as Chief Palace Physician, Priest, Chief Dentist, and Director of Medicinal Plants. These roles highlight his diverse expertise, from performing advanced dental procedures and less invasive surgeries to developing drug-based treatments. His title of "Magician of Serket," linked to the goddess of venomous creatures, points to his mastery in treating bites from snakes and scorpions—a crucial skill in ancient Egypt.
This integration of medical science and spiritual healing reflects the Egyptians’ holistic approach to health. Physical ailments and spiritual well-being were seen as interconnected, and Teti Neb Fu’s work epitomises this belief.
The Magnificent Tomb
The tomb itself is a mudbrick mastaba structure adorned with stunning carvings, vibrant paintings, and intricate inscriptions. One of the standout features is a painted false door, symbolising a gateway between the realms of the living and the dead. The ceiling, designed to mimic granite stones with its red hue, adds to the tomb’s grandeur.
A stone sarcophagus within the tomb bears hieroglyphs detailing Teti Neb Fu’s name and prestigious titles. Despite evidence of ancient looting, the walls and much of the tomb’s decorative art remain intact, offering a glimpse into the physician’s esteemed position at the royal court.
Photo Credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Saqqara: A Treasure Trove of History
Saqqara, located roughly 25 miles southwest of Cairo, is a renowned “open-air museum” filled with the tombs of kings, officials, and priests from ancient Egypt. This discovery is part of a larger excavation effort focused on the burial sites of state officials who served under King Pepi II.
Since 2022, the French-Swiss archaeological team has been working in this area, uncovering other significant finds such as the mastaba of Vizier Weni, whose autobiographical inscriptions provide valuable historical insights into the Old Kingdom.
Photo Credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Medicine and Magic: Ancient Egypt’s Holistic Approach
The tomb of Teti Neb Fu illustrates the advanced medical knowledge of ancient Egyptians. Their practices addressed a wide range of health issues, including dental care, heart conditions, and even mental health challenges like dementia and depression. These scientific approaches were often complemented by spiritual rituals, reflecting their belief in the power of both medicine and magic to heal.
A Window into the Past
The discovery of Teti Neb Fu’s tomb is more than an archaeological milestone—it is a window into the sophistication of ancient Egyptian medicine and their deeply interconnected view of physical and spiritual well-being. As excavations continue, Saqqara promises to reveal even more about this fascinating civilisation and its enduring legacy.