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Chamber of mummies found in Egypt | Chamber of mummies found in Egypt |
(4 days later) | |
Egyptian archaeologists have found more than 20 mummies in a burial chamber dating back at least 2,600 years. | Egyptian archaeologists have found more than 20 mummies in a burial chamber dating back at least 2,600 years. |
Eight wooden and stone sarcophagi were also discovered during the excavations at the Saqqara site, said Zahi Hawass, Egypt's chief archaeologist. | Eight wooden and stone sarcophagi were also discovered during the excavations at the Saqqara site, said Zahi Hawass, Egypt's chief archaeologist. |
One limestone sarcophagus sealed with plaster is thought to be more than 4,000 years old. | One limestone sarcophagus sealed with plaster is thought to be more than 4,000 years old. |
Despite decades of excavations at the Saqqara necropolis south of Cairo, new finds are frequently made. | Despite decades of excavations at the Saqqara necropolis south of Cairo, new finds are frequently made. |
Correspondents say it is rare for such an intact burial site to be unearthed. | Correspondents say it is rare for such an intact burial site to be unearthed. |
The mummies, 22 of which were found in niches along a wall, were in a tomb dating to 640BC, Mr Hawass said. | The mummies, 22 of which were found in niches along a wall, were in a tomb dating to 640BC, Mr Hawass said. |
One wooden sarcophagus had not been opened since ancient times, though one official said ancient grave robbers had probably reached it first, according to a government statement. | One wooden sarcophagus had not been opened since ancient times, though one official said ancient grave robbers had probably reached it first, according to a government statement. |
A mummy was found in the only sarcophagus to have been opened so far, and archaeologists said they were expecting to find more mummies in the others. | A mummy was found in the only sarcophagus to have been opened so far, and archaeologists said they were expecting to find more mummies in the others. |
Mr Hawass has said that some 70% of Egypt's ancient monuments remain buried. | Mr Hawass has said that some 70% of Egypt's ancient monuments remain buried. |
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