Coffins, mummies found in new discovery at Saqqara dating back to the New Kingdom

CAIRO – 11 January 2021: Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is preparing to announce soon a large archaeological discovery in Saqqara antiquities area. The discovery was made by the Egyptian archaeological mission working next to the pyramid of King Teti I headed by Zahi Hawass.

On the details of the discovery, informed sources within the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities confirmed that two wells have been uncovered, with the first  being 6 meters deep and the second 20 meters deep.

In the first well, huge archaeological finds from the 18th and 19th Dynasties were discovered, in addition to a number of paintings. The sources further stated that a group of coffins were unearthed containing mummies, including two colored and with inscriptions, as well as tools used by the ancient Egyptians, and a group of skeletal remains.

Excavations are still underway to reach the end of the 20-meter-deep well and discover what is inside.

Renowned Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass has recently stated that this discovery will shed light on a part of the history of Saqqara that “we do not know much about”, and it will also unveil the secrets of the cemetery of the 18th and 19th Dynasties in the Saqqara antiquities area.

Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Khaled el-Enani, during a visit to the excavation site on December 14, 2020, was keen to enter one of the burial wells that were found accompanied by Zahi Hawass and Mostafa Waziry.