Archaeologists in Egypt have uncovered a 3,600-year-old piece of cheese in the tomb of Ptahmes, a high-ranking official in ancient Egypt. The discovery is significant as it is one of the oldest known pieces of cheese ever found.
The cheese was found in a broken clay jar in the tomb, along with various other food items such as butter, milk, and honey. The researchers believe that the cheese was made from a mixture of cow’s milk and either sheep or goat’s milk. They also found evidence of a Brucella melitensis bacteria in the cheese, which is known to cause diseases in both animals and humans.
This discovery sheds light on the dietary habits of ancient Egyptians and provides valuable insights into their culinary practices. It also highlights the importance of dairy products in the ancient Egyptian diet, as well as the advanced food preservation techniques they used.
Ptahmes’ tomb was first discovered in 1885 but was lost for over a century until it was found again in 2010. Since then, archaeologists have been working to uncover and analyze the contents of the tomb, which has provided important information about the daily life and culture of ancient Egyptians.
The discovery of the 3,600-year-old cheese has captured the interest of researchers and historians alike, as it adds to our understanding of ancient Egyptian society and their food practices. The cheese will be further analyzed to learn more about its ingredients and production process, providing valuable insights into the culinary history of this ancient civilization.
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