In Egypt, 13 wooden sarcophagi from 2,500 years ago were found in the Sakara necropolis. What’s unusual in this discovery is that the coffins reached this time untouched, making it a rarity to excavate a complex of tombs located in this part of the country.
According to the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, the coffins were found in a crypt at a depth of 11 meters: they were stacked on top of each other. They are so well preserved that the colors of the woodwork can be discerned. According to the initial analysis, no one paid for the coffins after their burial.
Three closed niches were also found in Akldama. According to the Minister, it is expected that other sarcophagi are buried in the area.
Sakara is believed to have been the necropolis of Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt: for 3,000 years the Egyptians fasted their dead in this very area. It is therefore not surprising that Sakara is a special source of interest for archaeologists.
Not only the upper classes were buried here in richly decorated sarcophagi, next to their prey and mummified animals, but also the middle and working class. Today, however, it is easier to find the rest of the rich because they were buried in highly complex tombs.
For hundreds of years, these tombs were often looted. However, in the pristine sarcophagi, ancient artifacts and relics are probably still preserved.
Because the coffins are made of wood and the burial place is quite dry, the contents of the sarcophagi probably do not contain liquid and the contents are well preserved.
Depending on what items are kept in the sarcophagi, we can also understand the origins and status of the buried people. The discovery is likely to give us a better idea of Egyptian culture and its burial rituals.
On September 1, the Egyptian government revived cultural tourism in the country. This means that tourists can visit museums and archeological excavations. In the coming days, the Egyptian government will release additional videos about the discovery, which will likely help in the process of reviving cultural tourism.