Egypt announces the discovery of new pharaonic tombs and a mummy in Saqqara
Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass during his press conference in front of the Pyramid of Djoser at the Saqqara site on January 26, 2023. AP - Amr Nabil
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Egypt on Thursday unveiled four tombs of pharaonic dignitaries and a mummy more than 4,000 years old at Saqqara near Cairo, the latest of the discoveries announced with great fanfare by a country anxious to bring tourists back.
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It was in the necropolis of Saqqara, known for the famous step pyramid of Pharaoh Djoser, that archaeologists unearthed these tombs sealed under the 5th and 6th dynasties, between 2,500 and 2,100 years BC.
These deep cavities adorned with colorful scenes of everyday life served as the final resting place of Khnumdjedef, the high priest of Pharaoh Unas whose decorated pyramid is nearby, Meri, the keeper of the king's secrets, Messi, high priest of Pharaoh Pepi I and to Fetek, scribe and judge, detailed in front of the press the very media Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass.
During the excavations, 15 meters underground, archaeologists found a limestone sarcophagus "
in the exact state where the ancient Egyptians left it 4,300 years ago
", assured Zahi Hawass.
When they opened it, they discovered a mummy covered in gold, "
one of the oldest and best preserved in Egypt outside of the royal mummies
", said the man, his head covered as usual. his famous Indiana Jones hat.
Several major discoveries in recent months
The Saqqara necropolis, just over 15 kilometers south of the famous pyramids on the Giza plateau, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because the pyramid of Djoser, built around 2,700 BC by the architect Imhotep, is considered one of the oldest monuments on the surface of the globe.
Egypt has revealed several major discoveries in recent months, mainly in Saqqara but also in Luxor.
On Tuesday, Cairo thus announced the discovery in this southern city, the Thebes of the pharaohs, of the remains "
of an entire Roman city
" dating from the first centuries after Christ.
For some experts, these announcement effects have more political and economic than scientific significance.
Because the country of 104 million inhabitants in serious economic crisis is counting on tourism to straighten out its finances: its government is aiming for 30 million tourists per year by 2028, against 13 million before the Covid-19.
(
With
AFP)
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