Cairo, Egypt — In a significant archaeological discovery, Egypt unveiled dozens of ancient coffins and mummies along with more than 100 figurines in a vast necropolis south of Cairo, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced Sunday. The find was made at the famed Saqqara site, which has been a hotbed for archaeological exploration, yielding numerous treasures over recent years.
The excavations revealed 250 wooden sarcophagi believed to date back to the Late Period of ancient Egypt, approximately 500 B.C. Each of these finely decorated coffins contained a well-preserved mummy, shedding new light on the burial customs and religious practices of the time. Moreover, archaeologists uncovered 150 bronze statues of ancient deities, underscoring Egypt’s rich mythological heritage.
According to Mostafa Waziri, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, the sarcophagi and statues were found in two burial shafts at depths of 30 feet. Waziri highlighted the remarkable craftsmanship of the sarcophagi, which were adorned with intricate inscriptions and vivid portrayals that have maintained their color over millennia.
The new findings not only expand our understanding of Egyptian burial practices but also highlight the complexity of religious rituals and the prominence of deity worship in ancient Egyptian society. The bronze statues depict gods such as Anubis, the god of mummification and the afterlife, and Isis, a major goddess who was believed to help the dead enter the afterlife.
Archaeologists also discovered an ancient workshop that was likely used for mummifying the dead. This new insight into the physical processes behind mummification can provide unprecedented details about the techniques and materials used by ancient embalmers.
Egypt plans to display these artifacts in several museums across the country, including the Grand Egyptian Museum set to open near the pyramids of Giza. The government hopes these exhibitions will rejuvenate tourism, an industry that has faced numerous setbacks from political instability and the global pandemic.
The ongoing excavations at Saqqara continue to be a source of national pride and global interest as they provide a continuous stream of insights into ancient Egyptian civilization. This latest discovery not only highlights the advanced state of preservation achievable by the ancient Egyptians but also brings new artifacts into the limelight, offering further attractions for scholars and tourists alike.
In conclusion, with every layer of sand that is brushed away, Saqqara proves it still holds many secrets of the ancient world, waiting to be unearthed. These discoveries are vital in keeping our connection to the past alive, providing us with tangible links to the culture, religion, and scientific achievements of ancient Egypt.