Ancient Egyptians bestowed dramatic names upon their canine companions, with a recent discovery revealing a dog from over 3,500 years ago named 'He-of-the-Underworld.' This name is believed to be an allusion to Anubis, the jackal-headed god associated with the afterlife and the underworld in ancient Egyptian religion. The findings, published in The Journal of Egyptian Archaeology, shed light on the significant role dogs played in Egyptian society.
The discovery was made in tomb TT 21 at Sheikh Abd el-Qurna, part of the Theban Necropolis near modern-day Luxor. The tomb belonged to User, an ancient Egyptian official who served as a scribe and steward under Pharaoh Thutmose I. Painted scenes within the burial chamber depict dogs wearing collars and resting beneath User's chair.
While two of the dogs had previously been identified as 'Trusty' and 'Strong One,' researchers utilized digital image-enhancement technology to decipher faded markings next to a third dog's head. This painstaking process revealed the name 'He-of-the-Underworld.' According to Chelsea Kaufman of Johns Hopkins University, this moniker served as a nickname for Anubis, who guided and protected the deceased.
The dog depicted in the artwork features a slender body, long legs, drooping ears, a curved tail, and a reddish-colored coat. Experts suggest it may have been a Sloughi, an ancient North African hunting breed known for its speed and elegant build, often compared to a greyhound. This breed was highly valued for its loyalty, stamina, and hunting prowess.
This discovery is particularly rare, as very few named animals have been identified in ancient Egyptian archaeological records, with only about 100 dog names documented to date. Dogs were integral to Egyptian life, serving roles in hunting, guarding, and companionship. Their importance was such that some were buried alongside their owners and commemorated in tomb inscriptions.
The researchers noted that tomb owners included representations and names of their dogs to ensure their companions' survival in the afterlife, reflecting a deep emotional investment. Unusually, the inscription for 'He-of-the-Underworld' is accompanied by a hieroglyph depicting a seated dog, a symbol rarely used for dog names in ancient Egypt. Only one other known Egyptian dog name features a similar seated-dog symbol, making this finding especially noteworthy.
