Egyptian authorities have announced a groundbreaking discovery at the Saqqara archaeological site, just south of Cairo. A team of Egyptian archeologists has unearthed a well-preserved and highly decorated tomb with at least 50 sarcophagi, along with other artifacts from the New Kingdom era.
The tomb belonged to a high-ranking official named Priest Wahtye, who lived during the fifth dynasty, around 2500 BCE. The discovery is significant because the tomb is the largest and most richly decorated of its kind at Saqqara. Its walls are adorned with intricate hieroglyphics and colorful scenes of life in ancient Egypt, offering valuable insights into the social and religious customs of the time.
The sarcophagi, some of which are more than three meters long, are also remarkable for their exquisite craftsmanship and intricate details. They are made of limestone and mudbrick, and many of them are adorned with intricate carvings and painted reliefs. The discovery is expected to shed new light on the funerary practices and beliefs of ancient Egyptians.
The discovery is the latest in a series of high-profile archaeological finds in Egypt in recent years. Last December, another team of archaeologists announced the discovery of a 4,400-year-old tomb near the pyramids of Giza, which contained the remains of a high-ranking priestess named Hetpet. In 2017, a team of German and Egyptian archaeologists discovered a colossal statue of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Ramses II in Cairo.
The Saqqara discovery is expected to generate significant interest among Egyptologists and history enthusiasts around the world. The Egyptian authorities have already announced plans to open the tomb to the public later this year. The site is also being considered for nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage site, joining other sites such as the pyramids of Giza, Luxor, and Abu Simbel.
The discovery underscores the importance of preserving and studying Egypt’s rich archaeological heritage, which is vital for understanding the country’s ancient history and culture. It is also a reminder of the continued importance of international collaboration and investment in the study and preservation of cultural heritage sites around the world.
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/dec/15/egypt-archaeologists-unearth-tombs-of-high-priests-near-cairo
https://www.history.com/news/ancient-tomb-containing-more-than-50-sarcophagi-discovered-in-egypt