Yuya and Thuyu decapitated?
Yuya, left, and Thuyu
There’s been an element of “News for Parrots” in the coverage of the Egyptian museum looting; the only thing reporters seem interested in is the treasures of King Tut. Two mummies were vandalized, yadeyadeyade, but as long as Tut’s stuff is okay…
Meanwhile, I’ve been waiting to find out which two mummies were damaged. And now the rumor is that it was Yuya and Thuyu (transliterated as Tjuya in the linked article). This is bad. In addition to being two of the best-preserved mummies from pharaonic times, Yuya and Thuyu were also two Very Important People: parents of Queen Tiy, grandparents of King Akhenaten, and great-grandparents of King Tutankhamen. They were also possibly the parents of Ay, the man who became king upon the death of Tutankhamen. All in all they are fascinating figures in terms of sorting out the intricate and highly inbred Thutmosid family history. Speculation has centered on their origin, their possible connection to the royal family, and why their non-royal daughter Tiy was chosen to become queen consort of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.
Several artifacts in the museum were also damaged, including an important Middle Kingdom boat. And yes, some items from Tut’s tomb.
As for the political situation in Egypt, I have nothing to offer. I’m just following the news like everybody else.
3 Responses to “Yuya and Thuyu decapitated?”
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myiq2xu says:
Ironically, Tut’s tomb was the only one ever discovered that hadn’t been looted by grave robbers.
January 31st, 2011 at 10:16 am EST -
votermom says:
That is so sad if it’s them — they are so amazingly well-preserved.
I am going to shill my paltry thoughts on Cairo here
http://www.correntewire.com/cairo_echo_manila -
lambert strether says:
And if you want a live blog, see here. And the maturity of the Egyptian protesters is incredibly moving.
