Breelyn Webb

 

A discovery of 27 sarcophagi earlier last month has now nearly doubled in size.

Archaeologists at the Saqqara site have unearthed 59 sarcophagi to date, most of them with mummies inside. This is the first major discovery since the closing of archaeological sites and museums in Egypt due to COVID-19.

Saqqara, a necropolis south of Cairo, is home to many pyramids and is a major historical site. It is home to the Step Pyramid, the oldest known Egyptian pyramid, and the Giza Pyramids.

This landmark plateau hosts hundreds of tombs including the Pyramid of Djoser, the first pharaoh of the third Dynasty and other sites that date back to the first dynasty in 2920 BC.

The sarcophagi are nearly 3,000 years old and were found in different wells of the “funeral complex;” it is believed that these newly discovered sarcophagi date back to the 26th dynasty. Last year, the remains of mummified animals were found in this same area including birds, crocodiles, and two lion cubs.

On October 3rd, Egyptian antiquities officials, media personnel, and ambassadors from around the globe were witnesses to the reveal of a remarkably well-preserved sarcophagus from the recent discovery.

The ornate, colorful, well preserved wooden sarcophagus was covered in hieroglyphics and inside a mummy in nearly pristine condition. Videos and photos from spectators flooded social media.

Greg Lewis, New Zealand’s ambassador to Egypt, described the event as “Truly amazing” in his tweet accompanied by a video of the lid being lifted off of the ancient remains.

Mostafa Waziri, head of Egypt’s Supreme counsel of Antiquities, explains in a video that the mummies were so well preserved because the coffins were covered and then sealed with wheat paste, which allowed no air inside, thus preventing any chemical reactions from happening that would compromise the corpse.

The remains are thought to be that of priests and other prestigious men.

Coffins weren’t the only findings from these wells. According to a press release from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, other findings included statues, stones like red agate and turquoise and a bronze sculpture of Nefertom, the god of the lotus blossom.

Dr. Khaled El-Enani, the minister of tourism and antiquities, explained that the reveal “is not over yet.” Stating archaeologists and others have found additional layers of coffins to be announced at a later time.

The coffins will be moved and put on display at the Grand Egyptian Museum currently being built near the Giza Pyramids.

Another sealed door was also discovered at this time. Researchers believe that even more sarcophagi lie behind it.