By Prensa Latina,
El Cairo : Egyptian archaeologists have discovered a 4,300-year-old burial site in Saqqara, containing several unopened sarcophaguses and about 30 mummies, Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities announced Monday.
Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities unveiled the rare discovery was made in the region of Gisr al-Modir, on the western side of the step pyramid in Saqqara, to the south of Cairo, on Sunday. Archaeologists found five sarcophaguses, including a wooden one measuring 180 centimeters in length.
Saqqara served as a burial place for pharaohs mostly from the First and Second Dynasties, including the sarcophaguses of Zoser (2650 b.c) built by architect Imhotep.
According to CSA General Secretary Zahi Hawass, the sarcophagus recently found contained the complete mummy of a man called Sengim, who lived during the Sixth Dynasty (2575-2150 b.c)
Other mummies were found placed in the niches of the wall.
Archaeologists expect to find old amulets during the opening of the sarcophaguses later this week.
The discovery of intact burials in Saqqara is very rare as thieves had already scoured the area in ancient times.