Photo: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquity
The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquity revealed last month that 2,600-year-old coffins had been discovered in Saqqara. The wood coffins were discovered in a well near Djoser’s Step Pyramid and were determined to be surprisingly well-preserved, with part of its paint remaining intact. Archaeologists have now gone a step further and opened one of the coffins.
Researchers displayed a wonderfully preserved mummy inside one of the 59 coffins unearthed, surrounded by the journalists and dignitaries. The mummy’s burial linen is still wrapped around it, and the paint on the fabric hasn’t faded. Researchers suspect the bodies are those of clergymen, political leaders, and influential members of society, based on early investigation.
There were also 28 Ptah-Soker sculptures and one Nefertum statue recovered in addition to the coffins. The name of the statue’s owner, Priest Badi-Amun, was carved onto it. In funeral contexts, Ptah-Soker is a composite deity. Ptah, a creator god and local deity of Memphis’ ancient city, and Soker, a falcon god of the Memphis necropolis, make up the god. Ptah’s younger friend, Nefertum, is frequently found with him.
The coffins and sculptures, however, aren’t the only things to be found. “Today is not the end of the finding; I consider it the beginning of the huge discovery,” tourism and antiquities minister Khaled al-Anani claimed. The coffins will be transported to Giza’s soon-to-be-opened Grand Egyptian Museum. The museum, which is set to open in 2021, will include thousands of items, including some of the countless discovery made by archeologists in recent years.
One of the ancient Egyptian coffins discovered was opened to reveal a 2,600-year-old mummy.
Watch as the coffin is opened for the first time.
Honoured to be invited by the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities HE Khaled El Anany to Saqqara for the announcement that a new tomb of mummies has been discovered. I saw one being opened for the first time in 2600 years! Truly amazing! @TourismandAntiq @MFATNZ ???? pic.twitter.com/5oLfAM7zAV
— Greg Lewis ???? (@NZinEgypt) October 3, 2020
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h/t: [c-net, Smithsonian]
Originally published on the mymodernmet
