Khufu's large ship at Giza (2580 BC) (credit: Bradipus)
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Nile Valley Maritime History
Over 10,000 years ago, Nilotic Africans were already using boats to fish. And their increasing reliance on boats,
coupled with the expansion of agriculture along the river banks, gave rise to the world's oldest documented maritime
civilization, where ancient, advanced ships were used for practically everything--
from hunting and sporting to commerce and international trade.
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New Archaeological Discoveries in Africa
27 Coffins at Saqqara
Egyptian archaeologists uncovered 27 decorated sarcophagi and other artifacts from two different wells located at Djoser's Pyramid at Saqqara. Although the pyramid is the world's oldest, dating to roughly
2670 BC, the newly discovered coffins only date to the Coptic era under Persian rule (roughly 500 BC).
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Vast Funeral Industry at Saqqara
Although discovered in 2018, the 'funeral home' or mummification workshop at Saqqara (600 BC) has only recently revealed the extent of the funeral industry in
ancient Kemet. In addition to large incense burners, blood drainage channels
and a ventilation system, archaeologists found mummified remains, coffins, and urns prepared using various methods and materials,
suggesting ancient undertakers offered different embalming methods and funerary products for different budgets.
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Oldest Known Christian Church in Ethiopia
Archaeologists unearthed the remains of the oldest known Christian church in Ethiopia, built in the 300s AD some 30 miles north of the
ancient capital of Aksum. The main structure of the 60x40 ft church, built in the style of a Roman basilica, a gold ring with a bull's
head, and a stone penant with Ge'ez writing, were the most important finds.
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Tomb of Khewi (5th Dynasty, 2465-2323 BC) at Saqqara (credit: Mohamed El-Shahed/AFP)
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Well Preserved Wall Paintings at Saqqara Tomb
The tomb of a high official named Khewi (or Khuwy) who served during the 5th Dynasty (2465-2323 BC) was found at Saqqara. The tomb
features numerous inscriptions and depictions, including Khewi seated at an offerings table above large sailing ships.
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Medieval Stone City in South Africa Larger than Thought
Laser technology assisted archaeologists in determining the size of the medieval stone city of Kweneng near Johannesburg. The stone ruins
are spread over an area of about 8 square miles (20 sq km) and was thought to be inhabited by as many as 10,000 people at its height (1400-1820).
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