Many famous archeological excavations have happened in Egypt, and the artifacts recovered from these digs are some of the
best known in the world. Egypt had a thriving civilization long before many countries even existed. This civilization
produced some of the best-known buildings, sculptures, and art found in the world.
Three of the most recognized artifacts from Ancient Egypt are the Great Pyramids. The Great Pyramids are located in Giza.
Three successive rulers during the Old Kingdom of Ancient Egypt had these impressive structures created. The rulers, Khufu,
Chefron, and Mycerinus wanted magnificent tombs built to hold their remains when they died.
These pyramids contained amazing artifacts that reflected the very best that the Egyptian society produced at the time.
Not only were precious works of art included in the tombs, other artifacts such as furniture and jewelry were sealed within
the pyramids. In fact, sadly servants were also often sealed within the pyramids, supposedly to aid the rulers in the
afterlife.
No discussion of Ancient Egyptian artifacts would be complete without mentioning the famous King Tut. King Tutankhamen was
only a child when he came to power in 1361 B.C. One theory is that he was assassinated as a teen since he died from a head
wound, although no one knows for certain what happened. In 1922, the tomb of King "Tut" was discovered by Howard Carter, a
British archeologist. The tomb of King Tutankhamen contained many priceless artifacts, including jewelry, furniture, and a
famous gold mask.
Another Ancient Egyptian artifact still standing today is the Great Sphinx. Connected to King Chephren's pyramid, the Great
Sphinx depicts the face of the Pharaoh on the body of a lion. Scholars believe the Great Sphinx was created to guard the
burial grounds. This massive structure is 65 feet tall and 200 feet long. Although time has worn at the features, the Great
Sphinx is still an amazing artifact from long ago.
The Rosetta Stone is a famous and historically significant artifact. This artifact was found in 1799. The writing on this
stone made it possible to translate the meaning of hieroglyphics. Believed to have been created in 196 B.C., the stone
contains a royal decree written in three languages. The languages included on the stone are hieroglyphics, Greek, and an
ancient Egyptian alphabet language called demotic. In 1822, the text on the Rosetta Stone was translated. Thanks to this
translation, scholars then had a way to decipher hieroglyphics.
Queen Nefertiti is remembered because of an artifact found in a sculptor's house. The bust of Queen Nefertiti is considered
to be unique because it depicts her in realistic detail. The sculptor, Thutmose, probably created the bust for others to
copy. Many other busts and artifacts also were found in the sculptor's house when it was uncovered in 1912. The bust of
Queen Nefertiti, one of the most famous artifacts from Ancient Egypt, currently resides in the Altes Museum in Berlin.
When it comes to amazing artifacts detailing past civilizations, Ancient Egypt produced countless treasures. Many museums
throughout the world display artifacts from this civilization, making it possible for people worldwide to see for themselves
the beauty that was Ancient Egypt.
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