Egypt unveils embalming workshops, tombs in Saqqara necropolis

Cairo, May 27 (EFE).- An Egyptian archaeological mission has recently discovered two ancient embalming workshops and two tombs at the Saqqara necropolis on the outskirts of Cairo, Egyptian antiquities authorities announced on Saturday.

The discoveries were made at the sprawling necropolis of Saqqara, which is part of Egypt’s ancient capital of Memphis, 30 kilometers south of Cairo.

“Today we unveil one of those secrets, announce the discovery of two large embalming workshops for humans and animals as well as two ancient Egyptian tombs and other artifacts exhibited here on site,” Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Ahmed Isaa said at an event to showcase the findings.

Mostafa Waziri, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said that the rectangular workshop – consisting of several rooms with stone beds – was used to mummify humans and sacred animals.

The recent discovery also includes two tombs that belonged to a top official of the Old Kingdom and a priest from the New Kingdom, Sabri Farag, director general of the Saqqara archaeological site, added.

According to Mohamed Youssef, director of the Saqqara site, the Old Kingdom tomb has a stone façade featuring hieroglyphic text with the names of the deceased and his wife as well as depictions of daily life, farming and hunting.

The New Kingdom tomb is carved into rock with a door and a beam bearing the names of the deceased. Inside the tomb is a one-meter-long alabaster statue of the priest wearing a long tunic, wig and a lotus flower adorned with blue hieroglyphics, Youssef added.

Tourist minister Issa praised the hard work of the excavation team saying the discoveries “continue to help promote Egypt in the global map as an archaeological and touristic spot.”

“I assure you that Egypt, especially the archaeological site of Saqqara did not yet reveal its secrets and there are many more to come,” Issa added.EFE

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