Egyptian archaeologists have found more than two dozen ancient coffins in a vast necropolis south of Cairo.
The coffins have remained unopened since they were buried more than 2,500 years ago near the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara, said Neveine el-Arif of the country’s tourism ministry. She said 13 coffins were found earlier in September in a newly discovered, 11-meter-deep well, and that 14 more were later found in another well.
Video shared by the ministry showed colorful coffins decorated with ancient Egyptian writing, as well as other items the ministry said were found in the two wells.
The Saqqara plateau hosted at least 11 pyramids, including the Step Pyramid, as well as hundreds of tombs of ancient officials, built between the 1st Dynasty (2920 BC-2770 BC) and the Coptic period (395-642).
Archaeologists are still working to determine the origins of the coffins, el-Arif said, adding that more details and “secrets” would likely be announced in October.
El-Arif said digging in the necropolis was continuing, and more coffins were expected to be found.
Last year, archaeologists found hundreds of mummified animals, birds and crocodiles at Saqqara, as well as two young mummified lions.
The Saqqara plateau is part of the necropolis of Egypt’s ancient city of Memphis, which also includes the famous Giza Pyramids. The ruins of Memphis are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Egypt’s tourism industry has suffered from years of political chaos and violence following the 2011 revolution that removed Hosni Mubarak from power, and this year the industry was hit by the global coronavirus pandemic.
In recent years, Egypt has heavily promoted new discoveries in an effort to help its tourism industry by attracting more visitors to the country.
