Egypt’s Ministry of Antiquities on Sunday discovered 14 sarcophaguses in the Saqqarah necropolis south of Cairo that had been buried for 2500 years.
The coffins were discovered two days ago in an archaeological excavation at the burial site where thirteen other wooden sarcophagus were discovered last week, the ministry said in a statement.
The vast necropolis of saqqarah is located about 16 kilometers (10 miles) south of the famous pyramids of Giza, is part of the ancient city of Memphis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and houses the colossal stepped pyramid of Djoser.
Photographs of well-preserved coffins show ornate and intricate paintings, with brown and blue lines, as well as hieroglyphic images.
The ministry said additional excavations had been planned in the hope that a treasure trove of wooden coffins would be discovered at the site.
Egyptian archaeologists have discovered 14 coffins buried for 2500 years, after thirteen discovered last week, all in the necropolis of the Saqqara Desert Photo: Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities / –
In a video released this month delivering the findings, Tourism and Antiquities Minister Khaled al-Anani said the recent discoveries in Saqqarah were “just the beginning. “
Egypt has sought to publicize archaeological discoveries across the country to revive tourism, which has been affected by restrictions due to the new coronavirus pandemic.
In July, the government reopened the pyramids of Giza and other archaeological sites to the public after a three-month closing and cancelled tourist visa fees to attract tourists.
Egypt plans to publicize its assignment as a centerpiece of the Great Egyptian Museum in the coming months.
The tourism sector, hit by years of political unrest and terrorist attacks, had recovered to attract a record 13. 6 million visitors last year when the Covid-19 crisis erupted.