Archaeologists uncover the tomb of an ancient Egyptian doctor who specialised in MAGIC 4,000 years ago

Archeologists have uncovered one of the most intriguing figures yet from ancient Egypt – about 4,000 years after his lifetime. 

Teti Neb Fu, a physician and royal doctor, held prestigious titles such as chief palace physician, priest and ‘magician’ in ancient Egypt, experts say. 

His tomb and sarcophagus have been freshly uncovered in Egypt’s historic Saqqara burial site, about 25 miles southwest of capital Cairo. 

The inside walls of the tomb feature stunning artworks, depicting Egyptian pottery, jewellery, hieroglyphics and more. 

Archeologists say the resting place dates back to the reign of King Pepi II – meaning Teti Neb Fu lived and died about 4,000 years ago. 

King Pepi II became king at an early age during the sixth dynasty of ancient Egypt, between 2305 and 2118 BC.

‘This incredible find adds to Saqqara’s rich legacy as one of Egypt’s most significant archaeological sites,’ said Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in a Facebook post. 

‘The tomb is adorned with stunning carvings and vibrant artwork, including a beautifully painted false door and scenes of funerary offerings.

Dating back to the Old Kingdom during the reign of King Pepi II, the tomb is adorned with stunning carvings and vibrant artwork

Excavations in this area of Saqqara began in 2022 to unearth the graves of state employees for King Pepi who are buried near him and his wives, officials said. 

Teti Neb Fu’s tomb is a ‘mastaba’ – a rectangular superstructure with a flat roof typically constructed of limestone or mudbricks. 

As well as the tomb, the team discovered a stone sarcophagus within that has inscriptions bearing the physician’s name and titles. 

According to his sarcophagus, Titi Nab Fu was given the noble titles of ‘chief dentist’ and ‘director of medicinal plants’. 

Teti Neb Fu was also called a priest and the ‘magician’ of Serket (the goddess of healing venomous stings and bites in Egyptian mythology). 

This suggests Teti Neb Fu was an expert in treating injuries from poisonous scorpions or snakes, gaining a ‘magical’ reputation as a healer. 

Because of his burial location in Saqqara – a revered village and burial site – researchers knew Titi Nab Fu would have been important. 

But his titles inscribed on his sarcophagus reveal more about this man, who was not known until now. 

Inside walls of the tomb feature stunning artworks, depicting Egyptian pottery, jewellery and more

Despite evidence of ancient looting, the tomb’s walls remain intact, offering a rare glimpse into daily life and cultural practices during the Old Kingdom 

The ministry says: ‘This incredible find adds to Saqqara’s rich legacy as one of Egypt’s most significant archaeological sites’ 

Serket was the goddess of healing venomous stings and bites in Egyptian mythology. Serket is often depicted as a woman with a scorpion gracing her crown. In ancient Egypt, scorpions were a symbol of death due to their ability to quickly sting and kill victims with venom 

Covering an area of around 4.3 by 0.9 miles, Saqqara is famous as an Egyptian village that contains ancient burial grounds of Egyptian royalty. 

Legendary chief architect Imhotep was responsible for the Step Pyramid of Djoser, situated at Saqqara and widely believed to be the oldest pyramid in the world. 

Despite evidence of ancient looting, the walls of Teti Neb Fu’s tomb remain intact, offering a rare glimpse into daily life and cultural practices during the Old Kingdom of Egypt.

Also known as the ‘Age of the Pyramids’ or ‘Age of the Pyramid Builders’, the Old Kingdom covers the Third to the Sixth Dynasty (about 2700 to 2200 BC). 

One of the three main classical periods of Egyptian culture and history, the Old Kingdom is famous for the massive pyramids that were built as tombs for the kings. 

At the time, medicine and magic were likely equally revered by the Ancient Egyptians, who practiced medicine ‘with highly professional methods’, according to a 2021 study. 

‘They had advanced knowledge of anatomy and surgery,’ said the authors at the time.

‘Also, they treated a lot of diseases including dental, gynecological, gastrointestinal and urinary disorders.

Located 19 miles south of Cairo, the vast burial complex of Saqqara – which features the step pyramid of Djoser and flat-roofed tombs – served the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis

Saqqara contains numerous pyramids, including the Step Pyramid of Djoser (pictured), widely believed to be the oldest pyramid in the world (file photo)

‘They could diagnose diabetes and cancer.’ 

Evidence in ancient texts shows that the ancient Egyptians were ‘exceptionally skilled’ at medicine for their times. 

They could identify, describe, and treat diseases and traumatic injuries and even put in dental fillings.

A study published in 2024 revealed an Egyptian skull shows signs of attempts to treat cancer.

A modern-day procedure called decompressive craniectomy – where a hole is drilled into their skull to reduce swelling – was performed by ancient Egyptians as a religious ritual.