Egypt: Archaeologists Found 59 Sarcophagi Buried Nearly 2,500 Years Ago

Archaeologists in Egypt have unearthed 59 sarcophagi buried nearly 2,500 years ago.

According to the International News agency, the Sarcophagi were in excellent condition and covered with intricate designs in bright colours.

Experts unveiled one of the Sarcophagi with colourful paintings in the presence of the media.

The 59 Sarcophagi were discovered during excavations at Saqqara necropolis in Giza, south of Cairo on October 3, 2020, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Khaled Al-Anani said, “Almost three weeks ago, we found thirteen sealed and intact sarcophagi and, the following week, we found fourteen more.”

“We are announcing today that 59 sarcophagi have been removed from the well”, he revealed at the scene of the discovery made near the famous step pyramid of Djoser, built 4,700 years ago and first of the Pharaonic era.

“It’s not the end of the discovery, I consider it the start of a great discovery”, he said, specifying that the wooden sarcophagi probably dated from the 26e dynasty of ancient Egypt, around the VIe and VIIe centuries BC.

All of these Sarcophagi will be moved to the Grand Museum of Egypt, which will soon be open to the public.

Due to Coronavirus, the opening date of the museum has been extended many times and now it is likely to open in 2021.