A recent archaeological dig has revealed an ancient Egyptian pet cemetery, filled with dozens of mummified cats and scarab beetles.

The three cat tombs, which date back several thousand years, were also filled with over 100 bronze and wooden feline statues. According to Sky News , the cats were buried as religious offerings.

Mostafa Waziri, head of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, notes that the scarab beetle findings were the first ever to be discovered in the area.

Seven tombs in all were located, along with amulets, writing tools, chapters from the Book of the Dead, and statues of other animals, including, a lion, a cow and a falcon.

Source: https://www.npr.org/2018/11/11/666704847/archaeologists-discover-dozens-of-cat-mummies-100-cat-statues-in-ancient-tomb