While doing excavations in the Faiyum Oasis Necropolis, archaeologists discovered the grave of a young child who was interred beside 142 dogs.
A depression in the desert located 62 miles south of Cairo, Egypt, and west of the Nile River is known as the Faiyum Oasis. Archaeological evidence has revealed occupations around the Faiyum dating back to the Epipalaeolithic period.
There are numerous ancient villages remnants surrounding the oasis, as well as the nearby Ancient Egyptian city of Crocodilopolis/Arsinoe, which was devoted to the crocodile god Sobek. Sobek was an ancient Egyptian god with a complex and flexible history. It is associated with the Nile crocodile or the West African crocodile. Sobek is also known for pharaonic strength, fertility and military prowess.
For several years, CEI RAS archaeologists have been excavating a necropolis at Fayoum, exposing burials that range in date from the 4th century BC to the 7th century AD. In recent excavations, the researchers discovered an 8 year old child’s burial on top of the bones of 142 dogs. Galina Belova, a zoologist, examined the dogs and came to the conclusion that they all passed out simultaneously without any signs of violence.
According to Heritage Daily‘s report, the canine remains contained traces of blue clay, which is frequently discovered in Ancient Egyptian reservoirs (a large natural or artificial lake used as a source of water supply). Indicating that they may have been close to a water source that flooded, resulting in their drowning.
It’s unclear how the child ended up in the grave. It’s possible that the child was caring for the animals, but what’s more perplexing is that the child was discovered with a linen bag on their head.
A similar linen sack was placed over the deceased’s head in a previous burial discovered at the necropolis; however, the earlier burial was probably an execution because an arrow was discovered in the deceased’s chest.