Archaeological Brilliance: Mummified Sarcophagi Discovered in Egypt

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In a major archaeological discovery, fifty nine sarcophaguses were discovered in Giza, Egypt by a team of archaeologists. The discovered coffins date back to the 26^th dynasty of Egypt- as identified by Mostafa al-Waziri, the Secretary-General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities. The discovery is especially significant as they are expected to belong to elites, priests and top officials of the Egyptian Pharaonic Late period (664-525 BC). The sarcophagi were assessed as being preserved in a perfect condition. Mostafa al-Waziri referred to this discovery as the ‘gift of the century’. Archaeologists believe there are many more ancient coffins to be found in this ancient necropolis.

Colossal Discovery at UNESCO Site

The excavation site of this monumental discovery was an ancient burial ground, located twenty miles south of Cairo. The Saqqara excavation site is located near the ancient Egyptian city of Memphis and the Step Pyramid of Djoser. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in the 1970s, a number of archaeologically significant studies have been conducted in the city of Memphis. One of the sarcophagi discovered in the dig was unsealed on Saturday, before a live audience, to display the mummy inside. This opening happened after 2600 years of sealing the coffin. The endeavor was undertaken amongst numerous reporters, after the announcement of uncovering the coffins was made in August.

Other Significant Discoveries

The same discovery team also unearthed twenty eight statues of Ptah Soker- the ancient god of the Saqqara necropolis- as well as a statue of god Nefertum. The discovery mission had been operational since 2018, unearthing mummified animals and the tomb of a 5^th dynasty royal priest called ‘Wahtye’ in the same area.

A Perceived Boost to Tourism

A thorough examination of the contents on these coffins will be conducted by the archaeologists prior to their display in the Grand Egyptian Museum, in 2021. Large-scale publicity of these findings has been undertaken by the Egyptian authorities in an attempt to revitalize its tourism industry that has been severely impacted due to the ongoing pandemic. The Grand Egyptian Museum is being famed and publicized globally as an enriching and wholesome cultural experience- one that is dissimilar to any other museum visited by cultural enthusiasts. The director of the museum prides on the distinctive display spread this museum plans on providing its viewers.