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13 Egyptian Coffins Dating Back More Than 2,500 Years Were Discovered

Archaeologists discovered at least 13 wooden coffins dating back 2,500 years ago at the ancient site of Saqqara in Egypt.

Source: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

What makes these coffins special among the thousands placed in the mausoleum complex is that they have remained intact and completely sealed for hundreds of years after their owners died.
According to Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the coffins were found stacked in a burial vault 11 meters (36 feet) deep. They have been very well preserved, even some of the paint on the wood is still unblemished. An early analysis suggested the coffins may have been sealed since they were buried.

Source: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

Inside the burial shaft, three sealed niches were also found. Minister Khaled Al-Anani said that it is likely that there are more coffins in the shaft that have not been discovered.
Saqqara is said to have been an ancient Egyptian cemetery and was the capital of Egypt at that time. For 3,000 years, the Egyptians buried their dead there; therefore, it became an archaeological site of great interest.

Source: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

High-ranking aristocrats and officials were entombed here, along with their belongings, boxes, and animal mummies. These people’s coffins are more likely to be found, as their burial times were more complicated. However, recent excavations have revealed that simpler burials, possibly those of middle- or working-class people, are also interred here.
Over the millennia, many of these tombs have been visited by grave robbers for the buried treasure. Therefore, finding a crypt containing coffins undisturbed and unopened throughout that period highly suggests the intactness of the tomb treasures.

Source: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

The buried treasures will reveal the status and influence of the owners of the tombs. This discovery may provide additional knowledge about the ancient Egyptian pilgrimage customs.
The names and identities of those buried in the coffins have yet to be discovered. However, they are expected to become clear soon, as the site excavation continues, together with the total number of coffins inside.

Source: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

Recently, Egypt has continuously discovered valuable artifacts from the Pharaoh's age. Previously, statues of the ancient Egyptian goddess and Pharaoh Ramses II, were discovered near Mit Raineh, about 18 miles south of Cairo.
Earlier 2020, a 3,600-year-old mummy was found in Luxor, as were the graves of several high priests.

Source: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

In 2019, an ancient fortress built during the time of Ramses II was discovered in Beheira Governorate, northwest of Cairo, according to Egypt Today.

Source: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

H/T: The Indian Express
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