Egypt, more than 100 sarcophagi dating back 2,500 years discovered. In Saqqara a real treasure

At the same site where sixty 2,500-year-old sarcophagi had recently been found, in the necropolis of Saqqara near the pyramid of Djoser, more than a hundred were discovered, untouched and sealed. A true treasure tro ve of ancient Egypt consisting of votive statues of ancient deities, brightly colored funerary masks still intact, mummies wrapped in linen wrappings historiated with hieroglyphics in excellent condition, and a whole trove of rich ornaments.

The latest discovery, called “the most impressive since the beginning of the year,” comes from the excavation of three burial shafts more than 12 meters deep. The painted wooden sarcophagi belonged to high-ranking state officials and can be dated partly to the period between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE and partly to the dynasty between the 4th and 1st centuries BCE.

Archaeologists have just begun studies of the rediscovered treasure. Of the hundred sarcophagi, only one was opened and inside it was a still intact mummy, which was immediately X-rayed to check its state of preservation. Egyptian Minister of Antiquities Khaled El-Anany said that the Saqqara site has yet to reveal the bulk of its treasures.

Studies also continue regarding the sixty sarcophagi unearthed in late September and early October: on one of the mummies a text, possibly an introduction from the Book of the Dead, was discovered that may date back 4,000 years.

“It is a huge treasure,” El-Anany emphasizes. “Excavations are ongoing, and every time we uncover the compartment of one tomb, we also find the entrance to another.” Once the studies are completed, the sarcophagi with the more than 40 votive statues will be placed in the new Great Cairo Museum.

In addition, according to a statement by the secretary general of the Council of Antiquities, Mustafa Waziri, archaeologists also expect to soon discover the workshop where the sarcophagi were made.

Ph.Credit Nariman El-Mofty

Egypt, more than 100 sarcophagi dating back 2,500 years discovered. In Saqqara a real treasure

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