By Agency Reporter
Egypt has announced the discovery of a collection of more than thirteen intact sealed coffins dating back 2500 years.
The coffins were discovered at an archaeological site in the Saqqara necropolis in Giza, Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said in a statement.
The coffins, as well as 3 sealed niches, were found inside an 11-meter-deep shaft, according to the statement.
Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Khaled al-Anany and Mostafa Waziri, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), filmed on Sunday and inspected the excavation of the well.
“This discovery marks the largest number of coffins discovered at the same burial since the discovery of Asasif’s hideout,” the minister said, referring to the discovery of 30 ancient coffins in October 2019 at Asasif Cemetery in Luxor Province, Upper Egypt.
“The discovery in Saqqara includes a glorious collection of colorful wooden coffins whose colors and inscriptions are still in good condition despite the passage of 2500 years,” said Waziri, who heads the Egyptian archaeological project in Saqqara, Xinhua.
Waziri said the exact number of coffins unearthed and the identity and titles of their owners have still been determined.
But, he added, they will be discovered in the coming days as the excavation paintings continue.
“The project is digging and is expected to lead to many other new discoveries of wells, colorful wooden coffins and statues,” added the SCA director.
Early studies revealed that the coffins are completely sealed and have been opened since they were buried inside the well, according to the ministry.
Narrated via Xinhua/NAN