The Mummified Dog
Among the many treasures of Ancient Egypt lies a remarkably well-preserved mummified dog, a testament to the deep bond between Egyptians and their canine companions. Dogs were domesticated in Egypt and, much like today, were cherished as loyal pets. Depictions on temple walls and artefacts show hunting and battle scenes featuring pharaohs in chariots, accompanied by their faithful hounds, ready to attack enemies or pursue prey.
This particular dog, carefully wrapped in linen and buried with great care, may have belonged to a noble family or played a sacred role in a temple. Its preservation offers a fascinating glimpse into the Egyptians’ reverence for animals and their belief in an afterlife.
The mummified dog was discovered in Tomb KV50, near the tomb of King Amenhotep II (KV35) in the Valley of the Kings. Unearthed in 1906 by archaeologist Edward R. Ayrton, the tomb also contained a mummified baboon. Given the tomb’s location, it is likely the dog dates back to the 18th Dynasty.
Unfortunately, specific details about the dog’s mummification process remain undocumented. It is unclear whether the human-style method—including organ removal and heart preservation—was used. However, we do know the dog was carefully wrapped in linen and placed within the tomb alongside the baboon.
Some scholars suggest the dog held spiritual significance, possibly linked to Anubis, the jackal-headed god of mummification and the afterlife. Baboons, often associated with the god Thoth and wisdom, also had religious importance.
The burial of these two animals together may indicate a deeper symbolic or spiritual meaning in Ancient Egyptian beliefs. Considering Egyptians thought that mummification was required to gain admission to the afterlife, therefore it is certain that the Egyptians believed that mummifying these pets would assure their immortality.
Pets in Ancient Egypt
Pets were frequently represented in Egyptian funerary art, expressing their owners’ devotion for the creatures.
Ancient Egyptians kept a variety of pets, with cats, dogs, mongooses, monkeys, gazelles, and birds being among the most popular. Many Egyptians deeply cherished their animal companions, and mourning the loss of a beloved pet was a serious ritual. Traditional mourning practices included wailing and even shaving one’s eyebrows as a sign of grief.
Inscriptions on mummified pet remains reveal that Egyptian dogs were often given names remarkably similar to those used today. More than seventy names have been translated, showing the personal affection Egyptians had for their canine companions.
Prince Thutmose of the 18th Dynasty was buried with his beloved pet cat, which was carefully mummified and placed inside a stone coffin in his tomb, reflecting the high status some pets held in royal and elite households.
One of the most intriguing pet burials was found in the tomb of Maatkare Mutemhat, a Theban High Priestess. At her feet lay a small, mummified bundle, initially believed to be an infant. This discovery puzzled researchers, as Maatkare Mutemhat had taken a strict vow of chastity. If the mummy was a child, it would suggest she had broken her oath, raising numerous historical questions. However, in 1968, an X-ray revealed the mummy was actually an adult African green monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops), likely her cherished pet.
Maatkare’s half-sister, Esemkhet, was also buried with an animal companion—her pet gazelle, which had been mummified and placed beside her in the tomb.
Another Egyptian, Hapymen, ensured his loyal dog would remain by his side in the afterlife. The dog was carefully mummified, wrapped in cloth, and placed near his coffin, a touching testament to the enduring bond between humans and their pets in Ancient Egypt.
