High-Ranking Stone Coffin Discovered at Ancient Sakara Ruins
[Asia Economy Reporter Onyu Lim] A 4,300-year-old gold-leafed mummy has been excavated at an ancient Egyptian archaeological site.
On the 26th (local time), according to the British BBC and American ABC broadcasts, a male mummy covered in gold leaf was discovered at the ancient Egyptian site of Saqqara.
According to reports, the Egyptian authorities stated that the mummy was found in a tomb believed to have been formed during the 5th and 6th Dynasties (2686?2181 BCE) in Saqqara Necropolis (the land of the dead).
The authorities explained that this mummy is one of the oldest and most well-preserved non-royal mummies ever found in Egypt.
Dr. Zahi Hawass, who led the excavation, said, "The mummy of a man called Hekashepes was found in a stone coffin 15 meters underground, covered in gold leaf," adding, "He appears to have been a very important figure."
Along with this, three other mummies were also discovered. Among them, the largest is the mummy named 'Knumdjeedef.'
Dr. Hawass said, "The most important tomb belonged to Knumdjeedef, who served as an inspector, supervisor, and priest during the reign of Unas, the last pharaoh of the 5th Dynasty (reigned 2375?2345 BCE). His tomb was decorated with scenes depicting daily life."
A mummy named 'Mery,' who served as a high-ranking official in the Egyptian royal palace and performed special religious ceremonies, was also found.
Dr. Hawass explained that other artifacts such as pottery and twin statues were also discovered at the burial site, estimated to date back to the 25th?22nd centuries BCE.
An archaeologist involved in the excavation said, "This discovery is significant in that it connects the king with the people who lived alongside him."
Saqqara was used as a burial ground for over 3,000 years in ancient Egypt. It contains 12 pyramids, including the early form of the step pyramid, as well as tunnels where mummies were buried, and it is designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
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