Archaeologists discover 59 intact sarcophagi

Sarcophagi

Some of the sarcophagi discovered in Saqqara. (Image: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Archeology)

Archaeologists have already made several impressive finds in the Egyptian necropolis of Saqqara – now there is another one: Researchers have discovered a total of 59 intact sarcophagi from around 2,600 years ago. The dead buried in these colorfully painted coffins were members of the priestly caste and high dignitaries from the 26th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt. Correspondingly rich grave goods were given to them into the afterlife.

The Saqqara necropolis is located around 20 kilometers south of Cairo on the western bank of the Nile. The city of the dead is one of the largest and longest-used in ancient Egypt. Their name is probably derived from the Egyptian god of the dead Sokar. Around 5000 years ago, the dead were buried in special tombs, the so-called mastabas, on this vast desert plateau. From the third dynasty of the Old Kingdom around 2650 BC, the Egyptians began to bury pharaohs in this necropolis in step pyramids and pyramids, including King Djoser. The Saqqara necropolis continued to be used from the New Kingdom onwards.

Hidden in deep shafts

At the time of the 26th dynasty – around 2600 years ago – priests, high officials and dignitaries in particular found their final resting place in deep shaft-like graves in Saqqara. Temple-like buildings often stood above these grave catacombs, but hardly anything has survived today. To this end, archaeologists have made several spectacular discoveries during excavations in the grave shafts in recent years. Among them were the sarcophagi of priestesses of a snake goddess and the grave of a priest with a silver death mask.

In the most recent excavations, the archaeologists of the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities have found a total of 59 still intact sarcophagi from the time of the 26th dynasty. This is a spectacular discovery and one of the most extensive finds in Saqqara, said the Egyptian Minister of Antiquities Khaled al-Anani at a press conference on October 3, 2020. However, this may only be the beginning of further discoveries. When digging three excavation shafts, the researchers had already discovered 13 sarcophagi at the beginning of September, then even more coffins were found in a further layer.

Not open for 2600 years

As al-Anani announced, the sarcophagi are very well preserved, and even their colorful painting can still be seen. According to initial studies, the coffins have remained untouched and unopened since they were buried 2,600 years ago. The archaeologists have now opened some of them. “It can hardly be described what feelings this triggers when the sarcophagus is opened again for the first time in 2,600 years,” said al-Anani. “The mummy looked like it was mummified yesterday.” According to archaeologists, the dead in the sarcophagi were priests and high dignitaries of the Late Empire.

In addition to the sarcophagi, the archaeologists have also recovered grave goods from these dead. Among them are 28 statues of gods made of wood, as well as a bronze statue of a god set with precious stones. Animal figures and representations of priests also adorned the graves. The archaeologists expect further finds here too.

Source: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Archeology

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