Most mummies discovered by archaeologists today were upper class or rich. Priests or pharoahs were usually the only ones who had the proper mummification method used for themselves. However, Egyptian archaeologists recently discovered more than forty mummies of middle-class ancient Egyptians dating back almost 2,000 years. The discovery was made in Minya, Egypt and is considered one of the biggest and most important of the time. Because of how well they were preserved, it is speculated that they were more of upper middle-class citizens. Although, their identities are still unknown because they weren't written in hieroglyphics. The discovery of these mummies will help archaeologists learn more about the every day life of ordinary Egyptians.
![Image 2. An artifact on display at the necropolis of Tuna el-Gebel. Photo by: Mohamed El-Shahed/AFP/Getty Images [click to expand]](https://media.newsela.com/article_media/extra/middle-class-egyptian-mummies-2.jpg)
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How will the discovery of the mummies impact the world?
I believe the discovery of the mummies will greatly boost tourism and overall interest in Egypt. As well, the discovery will allow archaeologists to better understand ancient Egyptian culture and how ordinary families lived.
Do you believe artifacts discovered in Egypt should stay in their home country?
I could see both sides of this argument. It is important to keep any artifacts, such as mummies, within the home country to preserve the history. However, at the same time, I believe it is important for these discoveries to be experienced, appreciated, and learned about which may be able to occur outside of the home country.
Replies
Interesting story and well done!
I agree with you that the discovery of the mummies will boost tourism and interest in Egypt. I also think that they should keep most artifacts found in Egypt, in Egypt. I also think that they should let some discoveries be experienced around the world, for other pople to enjoy.
I think that the discovery will get a lot more people to go visit Egypt and want to go learn about the mummies. I believe they should stay in there home country becuase of the history behind them and its respectful for them to stay in there home country.
I agree Grace. Many people interested in archaeology will be very interested in any new exhibit being put together for the discovered artifacts. Do you believe there are other artifacts that whould stay in the home country as well? For example, if dinosaur bones were discovered in China would it be okay for the bones to be on exhibit for awhile in the United States before returning to China?
I feel like these mummified discoveries are very important in the eyes of the world. They give us a glimpse of the past and ancient Egyptian culture. As for the artifacts, I am not particular where the artifacts end up. If people want them to stay in Egypt because it's cursed, or if they weant to gid rid of it, I don't really care.
I agree Ethan. While I do believe the discoveries are very important to the world it depends on the kind of person you are as to whether they will interest you and impact you directly. If you are a very scientific person who is interested in achaeology, then this discovery may be perfect for you. However, if you are someone that doesn't feel the need to learn much about the mummies then they may not affect anything within your life.
The discovery of these mummies may help showcase what we do not know about ancient egypt. Their society may have been much more complex then we even knew. This helps show how people who weren't royalty lived, or a least how they were buried. Artifacts do not necessarily have to stay in the home country, unless they are under ownership of persons. If it helps humanity understand the culture, it should always be taken from its home country.
Very true Baylor. I do feel like we will learn much more about ancient Egyptian middle class and how they lived thier lives. However, do you think the new information will impact our world today or change anything we do directly? Or is it more of just gained knowledge that is good to know about just so we have a better understanding of those who lived before or differently than us.
Other than tourism, I don't think mummies will really affect the world.
Yes because they are Egyptian artifacts and belong in the country they're from. But also no because if you bring the to a museum in a different country, people can see them without traveling to that country.
Very true David. The artifacts may get more appreciation and attention if they are displayed in another country because many that would be interested in the mummies don't have the means of traveling to Egypt. How do you think other discovered artifacts have been displayed or advertised around the world? Do they stay within the country or do they go on exhibit?
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