By John Ikani
The sands of Egypt have once again, revealed a treasure trove of ancient secrets.
Headlining the latest discoveries is a 4,300-year-old mummy unearthed by a team of archaeologists led by former antiquities minister, Zahi Hawass.
Although authorities are yet to release images of the mummy, Hawass told reporters at the site of the excavation that “It is the oldest mummy, complete and covered in gold, ever found in Egypt. It is the most amazing discovery.”
The mummy, identified as a rich and important 35-year-old man named Djed Sepsh, was found 20 meters (66 feet) underground in a 25-tonne stone coffin at the Gisr el-Mudir enclosure near the Step Pyramid of Djoser in the village of Saqqara.
The lid alone weighed a staggering five tonnes.
“When the team opened the lid, they found the ‘oldest’, most beautiful mummy covered in layers of gold, with a band on the head and a bracelet on the chest, which indicates this was a rich man,'” Hawass said.
Along with the mummy, the team uncovered two tombs, one of which dates back to the reign of King Unas during the Fifth Dynasty, and a collection of twelve statues representing different people.
“These statues give us ‘knowledge for the first time about art in the Old Kingdom… double statues, single statues, servant statues, all type of different statues,'” the former antique minister waxed lyrical.
The team also found another stone coffin, which they plan to open, promising even more exciting discoveries from the sands of Saqqara.
“The discovery means the cemetery was for very important people, ‘second after the King,'” said Hawass.
Saqqara, located just 20 miles south of Cairo, has proven to be a treasure trove of archaeological wonders.
It has been the site of many astonishing discoveries, including the funeral temple of Queen Nearit… and a large trove of ancient bronze statues and sarcophagi.
In 2021, archeologists discovered the tomb of the chief treasurer to King Ramses II, who ruled Egypt between 1279 to 1213 BC, at the same site.
So if you’re ever in the vicinity of the Step Pyramid, be sure to add a trip to Saqqara to your itinerary.
Who knows, you might just be there for the next big discovery!
Egypt is like the ultimate treasure hunter, excavating mummies and other ancient mysteries with a three-pronged approach.
From a scientific standpoint, they’re like detectives, uncovering juicy details about history, lifestyle, beliefs, and technology.
Culturally speaking, they’re preservationists, making sure their heritage stays in tip-top shape and attracts throngs of tourists.
And economically, they’re savvy business folks, cashing in on the tourism industry and showing the world their riches.
Uncovering these artifacts is like Egypt’s way of shouting from the rooftops, “Hey world, check out our rich cultural history!
Do well to indulge them.
