In a recent announcement, the joint Egyptian-Japanese archaeological mission, led by the Supreme Council of Antiquities and Kanazawa University, has uncovered tombs, mastabas, and burials dating back to the 2nd, 3rd, and 18th dynasties, leading to a redefinition of the known extent of the Saqqara necropolis.
During excavations on the eastern side of Saqqara, archaeologists unearthed four tombs dating from the late 2nd Dynasty and early 3rd Dynasty, as well as over ten burials from the New Kingdom period, specifically the 18th Dynasty.
According to Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, this discovery highlights that Saqqara still holds numerous secrets to reveal. Moreover, the findings indicate that the necropolis extends further north than previously known. This is particularly significant as it confirms that Saqqara continued to be used as a burial site during the New Kingdom, especially after Memphis regained its status as Egypt’s capital following the expulsion of the Hyksos.
The archaeological team identified two mastabas constructed with mud bricks and two rock-cut tombs. One of the tombs, located near the northern edge of the Saqqara plateau, includes a superstructure and a burial shaft sealed with limestone blocks leading to the burial chamber.
Another mastaba, situated near the rocky slope, features a mudbrick structure with a rectangular shaft at its center. Near this area, researchers discovered several artifacts, including an Egyptian alabaster dish and a solid cylindrical vessel likely dating to the late 2nd or early 3rd Dynasty.
A limestone seal was also found, potentially containing additional information, and the mission plans further excavations in upcoming seasons to explore its content.
In addition to the finds from the pharaonic dynasties, the Japanese mission, led by Dr. Nozomu Kawai, also worked on the restoration and cleaning of Greco-Roman catacombs discovered in previous seasons. During these efforts, the team uncovered mummified human remains, terracotta funerary models, fragments of statuettes of the goddesses Isis and Aphrodite, pieces of wooden coffins, and pottery.
Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathi praised the efforts of Egyptian and foreign archaeological missions that contribute to unraveling the mysteries of ancient Egyptian civilization. He emphasized that these discoveries not only expand our understanding of the past but also support cultural tourism by drawing global attention to Egypt’s treasures.
Professor Mohamed Abdel Badi, head of the Egyptian Antiquities Department of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, stressed that the discovered objects and excavated tombs are clear evidence of the continued use of Saqqara as a major necropolis from the Old Kingdom through the New Kingdom and beyond.
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