In Egypt, archaeologists have excavated a total of 27 sarcophagi that were buried more than 2,500 years ago. A little over a week ago, thirteen had already been found, now another fourteen. It is said to be one of the greatest discoveries in a hundred years.
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The excavations took place at a recently discovered sacred site in Saqqara, 25 kilometers south of the capital Cairo. Earlier this month thirteen wooden sarcophagi have already been found, now there are fourteen more. The sarcophagi are still completely closed and contain human mummies.
The necropolis in Saqqara was built around 2,700 BC by the architect Imhotep. It is considered one of the oldest in the world. Saqarra is on the World Heritage List of Unesco. Besides the necropolis, Saqqara is also home to the famous step pyramid of Djoser.
Photos show how colorful the wooden boxes were painted, with brown and blue motifs. “Initial investigations show that these sarcophagi are completely closed and have not been opened since they were buried,” reports the competent Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities.
The North African country has reported finds more often in recent years. This should, among other things, promote tourism, which has fallen sharply since 2011 when political instability arose after the fall of President Hosni Mubarak.
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