What ancient Egyptian 'wizard doctor' was unearthed near the pyramids?
His tomb contained rare medical instruments from 4,400 years ago - and he was part priest, part physician.
The answer
A joint French-Swiss archaeological team uncovered the richly decorated tomb of Tetinebefou near the Saqqara necropolis in 2025. Dating to Egypt's 5th Dynasty (approximately 2400 BCE), the tomb revealed that Tetinebefou was a high-status healer described as a 'wizard doctor' - a figure who combined roles as both priest and physician. Among the finds were rare ancient medical instruments and inscriptions detailing his healing practices. The discovery provides invaluable insight into how ancient Egyptians understood medicine and the overlap between science and religion in one of history's most advanced early civilizations.
Source: National Geographic
- egypt
- medicine
- saqqara
- archaeology
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