Archaeologists in Egypt have unearthed more than 100 delicately painted wooden coffins, some with mummies inside, and 40 funeral statues in the ancient burial ground of Saqqara.
Egyptian antiquities authorities has declared the discovery the largest find at the site this year.
The sealed wooden coffins, some containing mummies, date as far back as 2,500 years and are “in perfect condition of preservation,” Khaled el-Enany, Egyptian Minister for Tourism and Antiquities, told reporters in Saqqara.
The fine quality of the coffins meant that they were probably the final resting places for the wealthiest citizens, officials said.
Other artifacts discovered include funeral masks, canopic jars and amulets.
The artifacts and coffins will ultimately be displayed at several museums in Egypt.
In a dramatic display, experts opened a coffin and X-rayed a mummy, determining it was most likely a man around the age of 40.
The latest discovery comes as Egypt is trying to draw visitors back to the country, which depends heavily on tourism. Political problems, including a 2011 uprising that toppled longtime leader Hosni Mubarak, coupled with terrorist attacks and other instability have deterred tourists, and the coronavirus dealt another blow.
According to a Times database, Egypt has reported 110,547 total virus cases. The country reopened its borders to visitors in July.
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