Lost tomb of Ancient Egypt ‘sorcerer’ who healed sick royals found in City of the Dead – but it hints at tragic secret
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THE lost tomb of an ancient Egyptian royal doctor that dabbled in "magic" has been uncovered. Teti Neb Fu's burial place was found in the southern part of Saqqara, a vast burial ground often described as a "city of the dead". His stunning tomb is believed to have been built around 4,000 years ago – and its luxurious design shows how important the doctor was in life.
![[This impressive tomb was the burial site of an ancient Egyptian royal doctor]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/undated-photo-shows-colorful-reliefs-962398923.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Teti Neb Fu (or Tetinebefou) is believed to have been a doctor to the royal family, serving during the reign of King Pepi II. It's a "mastaba" tomb, which is a type of flat-roofed structure often used to mark the burials of important ancient Egyptians.
![[The stunning burial chamber is believed to date back over 4,000 years]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/undated-photo-shows-colorful-reliefs-962398928.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The tomb was discovered as part of a joint French-Swiss archaeological mission. Teti Nebu Fu is described as a doctor and "magician". In ancient Egypt, magicians were seen as a kind of sorcerer, using staffs and wands as well as magical phrases and writings.
![[Detailed artworks reflect the high station of the doctor]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/undated-photo-shows-colorful-reliefs-962398921.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
It's believed that Teti Neb Fu was a "magician" of the Egyptian goddess Serket. This was the goddess of healing venomous stings and bites – suggesting that Teti Neb Fu was skilled at that kind of treatment. He's also named as the "chief dentist and director of medicinal plants" on his sarcophagus.
![[The walls are well-preserved, despite evidence of ancient looting]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/undated-photo-shows-colorful-reliefs-962398926.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
This skill may explain why he was given such a high position, as well as a beautifully decorated tomb. "The tomb is adorned with stunning carvings and vibrant artwork," said Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. "Including a beautifully painted false door and scenes of funerary offerings.".
![[The tomb is believed to have belonged to a physician that dabbled in magic]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/undated-photo-shows-colorful-reliefs-962024824.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
