Newly Discovered Egyptian Mummies Offer Clues to Famous Queen’s Tomb

Liverpool University archaeologists recently found Egyptian mummies that could finally help archaeologists uncover the long-lost burial tomb of the legendary Egyptian pharaoh [FAIR-oh] Cleopatra. Cleopatra is widely known as Egypt’s last ruler. She was an intelligent, charismatic politician who furthered Egypt’s political goals during her reign. Although many people know about her life, the location of Cleopatra’s tomb remains a mystery. Some believe that her final resting place is in Alexandria, her birthplace and the city from where she ruled the country. Others suggest that she was buried in the temple of Taposiris Magna, which is 97 kilometers away from Cairo. Now, the Liverpool University archaeologists may have finally found new clues about the location of the ancient ruler’s tomb. In the Taposiris Magna temple, they uncovered two mummies belonging to high-status Egyptians. The mummies were estimated to have lived during Cleopatra’s time. They were originally covered with gold leaves, a luxury given only to important members of Egyptian society. Scientists suggest that they might have been priests who played pivotal roles during Cleopatra’s reign and that they might have interacted with the queen herself. Apart from the mummies, 200 coins with Cleopatra’s name and face were discovered at the temple altar. Because of this discovery, Dr. Kathleen Martinez, head of the excavations, is positive that Cleopatra’s tomb will be discovered in the temple. Egyptian history expert Dr. Glenn Godenho affirmed Martinez’s hunch, saying that the new clues they found directly link Cleopatra to the ancient temple.