4,000-Year-Old Egyptian Tomb Discovered By Archaeologists

Archaeologists found what is thought to be an Egyptian tomb over four thousand years old. The finding was at the site of Saqqara, some 20 miles south of Cairo, by archaeologists from an Egyptian/Japanese archeological project.

Reports show the ancient archaeological site of Saqqara ranks high among the most significant and expansive. It has a large cemetery that was originally used by the ancient Egyptian city of Memphis, where a great number of nobility were buried.

Along with the recently discovered tomb at Saqqara, the archaeological team from Japan’s Waseda University and Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) recorded numerous architectural details, burials, and artifacts from various historical periods throughout this season’s excavations.

The researchers found a child’s bones and those of a man wearing a colorful mask among the burial artifacts they unearthed. An alabaster vase was found inside a coffin that belonged to the 18th Dynasty (1530-1292 B.C.), one of many tombs from subsequent times unearthed by the researchers.

During this season, the mission unearthed many items, such as a limestone ushabti sculpture with remnants of hieroglyphic writings, several amulets, and two terra-cotta sculptures of the goddess Isis. Further, the group uncovered ceramic implements and fragments.

A report shows that the Ancient Egyptian tombs had ushabti sculptures, which were believed to serve the departed in the afterlife. One of the more significant Egyptian deities is Isis. Her sorcery made her revered across the Greco-Roman world.

According to Egyptian media, Japanese team leader Nozomu Kawai stated the recent findings shed light on this region’s past. The SCA’s secretary-general, Mustafa Waziri, said the tomb discovery illuminated Saqqara’s rich history thanks to Waseda University’s involvement. Waziri told Ahram Online that the artifacts and tombs reveal this ancient civilization’s lifestyle.
In a news statement, Kawai said he expects the mission would uncover more of Saqqara’s mysteries throughout its forthcoming excavation seasons.