Archaeologists have made a new discovery at the tomb of a powerful woman who may have ruled Egypt thousands of years ago. The discovery of 5,000-year-old wine jars was made in Abydos, central Egypt, and the tomb is believed to be the final resting place of Meret-Neith.
Meret-Neith was the wife of King Djet and the mother of King Den, both of whom were rulers of the First Dynasty of ancient Egypt. Recent excavations suggest that Meret-Neith may have held royal power, rather than just being Djet's queen.
If true, this would make Meret-Neith the first female ruler of ancient Egypt. However, some experts dispute this theory, arguing that wives and daughters were not typically considered for royal succession, especially at such an early period.
The tomb was found to be piled high with goods fit for a royal, including hundreds of sealed wine jars. The grape seed-filled jars are among the oldest evidence of wine ever uncovered.
In addition to the wine jars, the tomb also contained inscriptions that suggest Meret-Neith held a number of important governmental positions. Her name has also been discovered alongside that of her son on an inscribed list of rulers in his tomb at Saqqara.
Experts say that this evidence suggests that Meret-Neith may have ruled as regent during Den's youth. This would explain why she is the only woman to possess a grand tomb in Egypt's earliest royal burial ground in Abydos.
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