Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities for Egypt and Chief Archaeologist of the Giza Pyramid excavation, has done it again folks! This man has located more hidden tombs, unidentified mummies, and secret chambers than anyone else in his field.
Earlier this month 22 mummies were discovered in a burial chamber at the Saqqara necropolis just south of Cairo. Hawass informed the BBC that eight stone and wooden sarcophagi were also unearthed. He was, as always, very excited by his latest discovery.
The mummies and chamber were located inside a tomb dating to around 640 B.C.E. The mummies therefore date to Egypt's 26th dynasty, the last independent Egyptian dynasty before they were overthrown by the Persians.
The artifacts located within this burial chamber were remarkably in tact, undisturbed for nearly 2,600 years. Over the years looters have destroyed similar sites long before experts were able to locate them. Though it does show signs that an ancient grave-robber may have disturbed some of the material artifacts hundreds of years prior to Hawass finding the chamber again, the ancient robber appears to have left most of the chamber completely in tact, making this a very significant find.
The mummies themselves were located in niches along the wall of the same room and were reportedly poorly preserved. Archaeologist have thus far been unable to determine why so many mummies were placed in the same room, or for that matter to identify any of the remains.
Hawass also indicated that during the 26th dynasty Egyptians did not usually bury their dead in communal niches. He told the Associated Press, "Niches were known in the very early dynasties, so to find one for the 26th dynasty is something rare."
This find is sure to spawn a television special and some interesting articles. I will do my best to keep you updated.
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