Egypt has unearthed another trove of ancient coffins in the vast Saqqara necropolis south of Cairo, announcing the discovery of more than 80 sarcophagi.
Egypt has unearthed another trove of ancient coffins in the vast Saqqara necropolis south of Cairo, announcing the discovery of more than 80 sarcophagi. Egyptian Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly toured the area and viewed the finds earlier this week (pictured).
Egypt has sought to publicise its archaeological finds in an effort to revive its key tourism sector, which was badly hit by the turmoil that followed the 2011 uprising. Pictured, the Egyptian Prime Minister looking inside one of the coffins
This photo from the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities shows Egyptian Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly looking inside at one of the coffins discovered at an ancient burial shaft at a necropolis in Saqqara
Pictured, Egyptian Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly (L), Egyptian Minister of Antiquities Khaled el-Anany (C) and secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Mostafa Waziri (R) looking at a sarcophagus
Archaeologists also found colourful, gilded wooden statues, the ministry said.
As well as more than 80 coffins and mummies, there were various artefacts discovered inside the burial chamber presenred here before the Prime Minister
The Tourism and Antiquities Ministry said in a statement that archaeologists had found the collection of colourful, sealed caskets which were buried more than 2,500 years ago
Located 19 miles south of Cairo, the vast burial complex of Saqqara — which features the step pyramid of Djoser and flat-roofed tombs — served the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis
More details of the new discovery will be announced soon in a news conference at the famed Step Pyramid of Djoser, Egyptian authorities say
The dramatic find was unearthed south of Cairo in the sprawling burial ground of Saqqarah, the necropolis of the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Just over two weeks ago Egypt revealed 59 sealed sarcophagi , with mummies inside most of them, in the same area of Saqqara. This find adds to the enormous trove of historical finds in the African nation
Archaeologists also found colourful, gilded wooden statues, officials said. Details of the new discovery will be announced soon in a news conference at the famed Step Pyramid of Djoser
Pictured: A man opens one of the sarcophagi during the unveiling event in front of the media earlier this month. 59 anthropoid painted coffins have been discovered so far
The majority of the coffins found at Saqqara so far have contained mummified remains (pictured) of priests, top officials and elites
A sarcophagus that is around 2500 years old is seen inside the newly discovered burial site near Egypt’s Saqqara necropolis, in Giza, Egypt, October 3