The Saqqara discovery is the latest in the series of archeological research. Egypt has opted to publicize the findings in the faith of reviving its crucial tourism sector. Back in 2011, after the Arab Spring uprising, Egypt’s tourism sector was severely hit by the turmoil, and this year it has faced a severe blow by the COVID-19 pandemic. Will the Saqqara latest discovery turntables?
Ancient Egyptian Mummies Unearthed
Archaeologists in Egypt said that they had unearthed 59 sealed sarcophagi in a vast necropolis South of Cairo on Saturday. Most of the ancient coffins contained mummies inside; one was suspected of being of an ancient priest’s pristine mummy. Archaeologists found out that the coffins had been buried in the three wells for more than 2600 years.
The Egypt minister of Tourism and Antiquities said the Saqqara ancient coffins would be placed together with 30 other ancient wooden coffins discovered in October in Luxor’s Southern city.
According to Khalid el-Anany speech at the famed Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara, one of the sarcophagi was opened before the reporters to show the mummies inside as others remain sealed. Diplomats attended the announcement ceremony.
The Rich Discoveries
Besides the Step Pyramid, the Saqqara plateau hosts ten other pyramids and sites that range from the Coptic period (395-642), the 1st Dynasty (2920 B.C.-2770 B.C.), and hundreds of tombs of ancient officials.
According to the First Minister of Antiquities and Tourism in Egypt, a sealed door was also unearthed, and it is expected to contain more mummies behind. He said that the artifacts were in good condition and would be on display next year at the Grand Egyptian Museum, which Egypt is constructing near the Giza Pyramids.
Discovery of the First Batch of Coffins
Antiquities officials in Egypt announced the discovery of the first batch of coffins last month. This was when archaeologists discovered 13 of the containers in 11 meter-deep well.
According to Mostafa Waziri, the find reminded him of the tomb of King Tutankhamun, the Egyptian pharaoh who ruled during the end of the 18th Dynasty.
Beautiful Findings in Egypt displayed
The minister displayed a bronze statue of the god “Nefertam.” This was one artifact discovered with the ancient coffins.
It was decorated with precious stones, red agate, lapis lazuli, and turquoise, elevated it to a height of 35 cm. “Badi Amun” was the name written on its base to identify the owner of the statue.
The ministry said that the “Saqqara antiquities area is still revealing its secrets.”
MORE:
