Did Ancient Egyptians Map Milky Way in Coffins and Tombs?
A groundbreaking 2025 study titled Ancient Egyptians Map Milky Way proposes that ancient Egyptian funerary art may depict the Milky Way, reshaping our understanding of their cosmic mythology and the visual representation of the goddess Nut.
1. What Triggered This Groundbreaking Study on Ancient Egyptian Art?
On April 30, 2025, in Portsmouth, UK, Dr. Or Graur from the University of Portsmouth published findings in the Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage suggesting Egyptian coffins might depict the Milky Way. By examining 125 images from 555 coffins, Graur identified a wavy black curve across Nut’s body—mirroring the Great Rift of our galaxy. This rare visual cue offers compelling astronomical context in funerary art, backed by expert visual comparison with Milky Way photography.
2. How Does the Goddess Nut Fit into This Celestial Puzzle?
The goddess Nut, a dominant figure in Egyptian mythology, is often shown naked and star-covered, arching over the god Geb. She consumes the sun each evening and births it at dawn—symbolizing cosmic cycles. In over 25% of images studied, Nut is covered with stars, suggesting strong celestial symbolism. This mythological context supports the idea that Nut’s body was used as a canvas to depict celestial features, including possibly the Milky Way, during the 21st and 22nd Dynasties.
3. Where Else Have Similar Wavy Motifs Been Found?
Dr. Graur’s analysis found that similar black curves appear on the tomb ceilings of Ramesses IV, VI, IX, and Seti I in the Valley of the Kings. These curves divide cosmological scenes in Books of the Day and Night. This recurring pattern reinforces Graur’s Milky Way hypothesis. These similarities across different tombs spanning centuries suggest intentional astronomical representation, verified through cross-analysis of coffin motifs and star charts from Ramses VI’s tomb.
Quick Fact Box: Ancient Egypt and the Milky Way Hypothesis
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Research Published | April 30, 2025 |
| Researcher | Dr. Or Graur, University of Portsmouth |
| Coffins Studied | 125 images from 555 coffins |
| Dynasty Focus | 21st and 22nd Dynasties (~3,000 years ago) |
| Visual Feature Identified | Wavy black curve (Milky Way?) |
| Mythological Focus | Sky goddess Nut |
4. Could Egyptians Have Viewed the Milky Way as a Cosmic Roadmap?
Graur’s previous 2024 research on Pyramid and Coffin Texts suggested the Milky Way helped locate Nut’s limbs in seasonal skies—arms in winter, backbone in summer. These functional observations likely evolved into visual motifs in tomb art. This dual-use (practical + symbolic) shows early attempts at celestial mapping, predating modern star atlases by millennia. The theory aligns with cultural practices in other civilizations, showcasing Egypt’s advanced mytho-astronomical worldview.
5. How Do These Findings Compare With Global Milky Way Symbols?
Interestingly, similar wavy celestial symbols are found in Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni traditions of North America—where curves represent the Milky Way in cosmological myths. This convergence suggests a possible shared human impulse to visualize the galaxy in religious and cultural contexts. Graur’s careful analysis underlines the universality of the Milky Way’s mythic resonance across continents, showing that ancient Egyptians weren’t isolated in blending astronomy with spirituality.
What Makes This Story a Must-Read
This study redefines how we interpret ancient Egyptian art—highlighting possible early visual astronomy. It bridges mythology, science, and culture through verified imagery, offering rare insight into celestial symbolism.
This article was originally published in Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage.
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