Pyramid (Photo : REUTERS/GORAN TOMASEVIC)
Researchers have discovered a pre-historic Egyptian catacomb which contains of the remains of mummified dogs.
Located underneath the same ground that holds the oldest pyramid in Egypt, it entails fossil of an ancient sea monster, marine vertebrate that are over 48 million years ago. The catacomb's canine mummies have been robber by robbers and other industrialists who like used them as fertilizers. Researchers from Cardiff University suggest that Anubis animal cult has been a large part of the ancient Egyptian economy, Discovery News learned.
The team led by project director Paul Nicholson was happy and surprised with the discovery. The group did not expect that they will discover a vast collection of animal remains. The team was interested to know where these animals came from and their findings might help to know how Egyptians interacted with their animals.
Researchers found out that these animal catacombs were from 750 and 30 B.C., the time when Egypt's society was just starting to have more connection with European country. The Anubis animal cult first surfaced around 3100 B.C. that served as protector of graves during the First Dynasty of Egypt.
Owners and dog were buried together because they believed that it will send good help to the owners' relatives. The study suggests that dogs were adored because Egyptians believed that they could interact with Anubis, an ancient Egyptian god that is often depicted with the head of a dog and body of a man, according to National Monitor.
The team suggests a further research that will include examining the catacomb, so future researchers could determine how many animals were required to feed the trade annually.
