Egypt has today revealed its most significant archaeological discovery of 2020, unearthing a remarkable collection of one hundred perfectly preserved 26th Dynasty sarcophagi at the Saqqara Necropolis.
“What we’re presenting today is not even 1% of what is buried in this area,” said Antiquities Minister Khalid El Anani to reporters and diplomats. He added that more excavation results will soon follow, with one of the most significant to come in the next few days: the findings of former Secretary General of the Antiquities Council and celebrated archaeologist Zahi Zawash.
It’s worth noting that the collection of sarcophagi was discovered sealed, at a depth of 12 metres. The sarcophagi are at least 2,500 years old, which explains their excellent preservation, and their paintings are in equally good condition, as highlighted by Mustafa Waziri, the Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities.
These sarcophagi are expected to be displayed at the Great Pyramid Archaeological Museum in Giza, the Cairo Archaeological Museum in Tahrir Square, and the National Museum of Egyptian Culture.
Information sourced from APPE-MPA
Photos courtesy of EPA