Almost 8m mummified dogs discovered throughout catacombs of Anubis

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QENA: A study from Cardiff University has revealed an ancient Egyptian mass burial site containing over 8 million mummified dogs.
The ancient Egyptians were known for their peculiar tradition of bring possessions with them into the afterlife. According to CNN, a new discovery suggests that they may have brought their pets along for the ride as well.
It is believed that the ancient Egyptians hoped that the dogs would intervene with Anubis, the god with the head of a dog who oversaw the dead, on their behalf. It is only now that archaeologists are beginning to understand the extent of this tradition – nearly eight million mummified dogs have been discovered throughout the catacombs of Anubis, located near Saqqara, Egypt.
Paul Nicholson, the project director from Cardiff University’s School of History, Archaeology, and Religion said that his department was surprised by the results, adding that he never expected that he would discover this many animals.
It seems strange today, but the ancient Egyptians may have had a good reason to think that they might need to bring their dog with them in the afterlife. Nicholson thinks the dogs may have been representative offerings to Anubis, going to interact with the god on the owner’s behalf. The animal’s owner trusted the dog to secure a flavorful treatment for himself and his relatives from the god of the dead.