There is a unique cat cemetery in the world, in Berenice
Environment — di Brunella Paciello
In Berenice there is a one-of-a-kind cemetery dedicated to cats. Its discovery has surprised archaeologists and experts in ancient Egypt.
There is a unique cat cemetery in the world, in Berenice
In Berenice there is a one-of-a-kind cemetery dedicated to cats. Its discovery has surprised archaeologists and experts in ancient Egypt.
A cemetery, complete with tombs, dedicated to cats has been found in Berenice, a small town in southern Egypt on the Red Sea. The archaeological site dates to 75–150 AD and, unlike other sites where mummified pet animals have been discovered, this one contains actual cat graves — a feature that makes it unique. The discovery was published by the University of Cambridge through a study entitled Pet cats at the Early Roman Red Sea port of Berenike, Egypt, authored by archaeologist Marta Osypińska of the Polish Academy of Sciences.
Read also: Le stranezze, i comportamenti e le curiosità sul gatto, questo sconosciuto
The cult of the cat in Egypt
In ancient Egypt, the cult of the cat was a common religious heritage, and the veneration of animals such as cats and monkeys, dogs and even ferrets was widespread among the population. Indeed, finding skeletons or mummified animals alongside human mummies has never been a rare occurrence. But the cemetery at Berenice appears to have something more that has captured the attention of archaeologists and scientists. "Cemeteries of this kind," explained researcher Marta Osypińska of the Polish Academy of Sciences, "are decidedly rare. The burial of pet animals was considered a very widespread practice in ancient Egypt, and is frequently attested in the Roman period as well. However, the belief that cats, once dead, were embalmed and mummified is only partially true. Mummification, in fact, took place on specific religious occasions. In the case of the Berenice cemetery, by contrast, we are faced with something unusual: a genuine burial ground for cats and other small animals."
A cemetery made for cats
Inside, alongside the cat graves, skeletons of dogs and a monkey were also found. The study, as summarised by Forbes magazine, notes that some kittens — and a monkey — were found in their burial niches wearing iron collars around their necks. Two of them had an oyster pearl placed near the neck, perhaps as a testament to the affection and devotion their human companions held for these small animals.