Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Depictions on the coffin found in the cemetery and the likeness of Marge Simpson. (Photo via Egyptian Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities)
Ancient Egyptian coffin goes viral for Marge Simpson lookalike
In the golden sands along the Nile in Middle Egypt, history’s treasures have long awaited rediscovery. But rarely does a find pop out of the past and bring smiles—and lots of viral chuckles—to the present day. Yet, that’s exactly what’s happened in Minya, where Egypt’s latest archaeological miracle has left everyone asking: Did the ancient Egyptians predict “The Simpsons”?
A royal unearthing in Minya
Led by Dr. Mostafa Waziry, former Secretary General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, a mission in Minya has just unveiled a remarkable cemetery dating back more than three millennia, to the era known as the New Kingdom (c. 1550 BC–c. 1069 BC). This vast burial ground for senior officials and priests adds another rich chapter to a landscape already renowned for Old and Middle Kingdom finds.
Among the new treasures unearthed near Tuna Al-Jabal:
- A beautifully preserved wooden coffin belonging to a chantress named Nany, who honored Djehouti, the moon and writing god.
- A sumptuous coffin for Tadi Ist, daughter of the High Priest of Djehouti.
- Ushebti figurines, canopic jars, amulets, and a breathtaking papyrus scroll stretching up to 18 meters—its inscriptions as vivid as if inked yesterday.
But it’s the painted lid of Tadi Ist’s coffin that’s been setting the internet abuzz.
Meet 'Marge'—The 'Simpsons' star of ancient Egypt
On the inner upper lid is a dizzyingly detailed scene representing the twelve hours of the day, each painted in a rare and distinctive style. Yet it’s not just the historic artistry that has caught the world’s attention. To modern eyes, one painted figure bears a certain unmistakable resemblance: yellow skin, flowing dress, and topped with a tall blue crown.
It’s Marge Simpson—at least, so claims the internet.
Although it was discovered in 2023, the photo of the tomb’s painting occasionally goes viral on the internet and social media platforms, with thousands of commenters marveling at its cartoon-like appearance.
Of course, the reality is as fascinating as the meme. The portrait actually depicts Tadi Ist, an ancient Egyptian noblewoman, not a time-travelling cartoon mom. Her painted mask and beaded dress are not only strikingly fashionable, but also an extraordinary example of ancient Egyptian preservation and artistry. Dr. Waziry himself emphasized the uniqueness of the hourly scenes: "It is a rare and important scene. Every scene of the hour has its shape."
Bringing the past to life… and laughter
Besides its internet fame, this discovery is rich in historical insight. The artifacts and texts from Minya help scholars understand daily life, belief, and ritual in a tumultuous age of Egypt’s New Kingdom. Each find—whether a papyrus scroll or a ushebti figurine—adds a brushstroke to our ongoing portrait of an ancient civilization.
Yet, there’s something undeniably heartwarming about a world in which a 3,000-year-old Egyptian tomb can spark laughter and familiarity in today’s digital landscape. Perhaps somewhere, the ancient chantresses are smiling at this unexpected afterlife.
So, is Marge Simpson a time-travelling goddess? Probably not—but for one shining moment, the sands of Egypt and the airwaves of Springfield have joyfully converged.