A 5000-year-old royal tomb in Egypt is among four historic sites that have opened for virtual tours. This initiative allows people to explore remarkable heritage while experiencing travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Egyptian Tourist Board is offering online visits to the tomb of Meresankh III in Giza. Meresankh was the wife of King Khafre, daughter of fourth dynasty prince Kawab and his wife Hetepheres II, who were sibling relatives. Queen Meresankh III was also the granddaughter of pharaoh Khufu, known as Cheops, for whom the Great Pyramid of Giza is believed to have been built. Thanks to 3D modelling technology executed by Harvard University, visitors can interactively view the extensively decorated mastaba tomb. Initially, the tomb was planned for her mother, Hetepheres; however, since Meresankh died first, it became her final resting place.
The tomb was discovered by archaeologist George Reisner in 1927. Virtual visitors can explore a remarkable row of ten rock-cut statues located in the northern chamber of the tomb, which uniquely represent women. This depiction was uncommon in the predominantly male society of ancient Egypt, but it is believed that these figures served to emphasize Meresankh’s noble status among her royal female relatives. The tomb’s walls are adorned with vibrant scenes depicting various relatives, including her parents and six children, alongside illustrations featuring offering bearers, scribes, and artisans.
In addition to experiencing Meresankh III’s tomb here, there are three additional engaging virtual tours. These include the Ben Ezra Synagogue here, the late-14th-century Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Barquq here, and the Coptic Orthodox Red Monastery here.
Stay informed with iBestTravel’s latest travel-related COVID-19 news here.
