Austrian and German archaeologists have explored the burial complex of Meret-Neit, located in Abydos, in the central part of Egypt. According to researchers, the queen ruled Ancient Egypt around 3000 BC.
The massive tomb, constructed from unbaked mud bricks, clay, and wood, was first discovered in 1900. For a long time, experts struggled to determine Meret-Neit’s place within the political hierarchy of her time. However, each new study revealed increasingly compelling artifacts, indicating that Meret-Neit was the most powerful woman of her era—a queen of the First Dynasty of Pharaohs, predating Queen Hatshepsut.
Now, a team led by Professor Christiane Köhler from the University of Vienna has uncovered many intriguing artifacts, including previously unknown inscriptions. These inscriptions indicated that Meret-Neit was responsible for state offices, including the treasury, further emphasizing her status in the hierarchy of Ancient Egypt.
The Truth is in the Wine. Even in the Afterlife
Researchers have also reasonably suggested that the queen and her subjects had a fondness for wine. The team excavated hundreds of sealed jars containing remnants of a 5,000-year-old intoxicating beverage.
Most of these large vessels were remarkably well-preserved. However, it remains unclear whether the wine was red or white. Inside the jars, scientists found organic residues, grape seeds, and crystals (possibly tartar). According to Christiane Köhler, all these compounds require laboratory analysis.
The sealed wine jars contained remarkably preserved grape seeds.
“The new excavations shed light on exciting new information about this unique woman and her time,” Professor Köhler concluded.