Egypt Unearths Tomb Of Ancient High Priest
Umer Jamshaid Published December 15, 2018 | 10:12 PM
Egyptian archaeologists have discovered the tomb of a priest dating back more than 4,400 years in the pyramid complex of Saqqara south of the capital Cairo, authorities said Saturday.
"Today we are announcing the last discovery of the year 2018, it's a new discovery, it's a private tomb," Antiquities Minister Khaled el-Enany told an audience of invited guests including reporters.
"It is exceptionally well preserved, coloured, with sculpture inside. It belongs to a high official priest... (and) is more than 4,400 years old," he said.
The tomb belongs to "Wahtye", a high priest who served during the fifth dynasty reign of King Neferirkare, the antiquities ministry said.
His tomb is decorated with scenes showing the royal priest alongside his mother, wife and other members of his family, the ministry said in a statement.
It also contains more than a dozen niches and 24 colourful statues of the cleric and members of his family, it said.
In November archeology officials announced the discovery in Saqqara of seven sarcophagi, some dating back more than 6,000 years, during excavation work started in April by the same archaeological mission.
Three of those tombs contained mummified cats and scarabs.
The Saqqara necropolis south of Cairo is home to the famous Djoser pyramid, a more than 4,600-year-old monument which dominates the site and the country's first.
The tomb, built by the master architect Imhotep for the Pharoah Djoser, stood 62 metres (203 feet) tall originally and is considered the oldest building in the world built entirely of stone.
Recent Stories
PTI to stage nationwide protests against alleged electoral frauds
Senate continues discussion on Presidential address to Joint Sitting of Parliame ..
Masood Khan calls for Pak-US cooperation for regional peace
Interior Minister starts Margalla Trail Patrol for security
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 26 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 26 April 2024
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable ..
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
More Stories From World
-
Clean energy drives massive BHP takeover bid
23 minutes ago -
Copper price tops $10,000 for first time in two years
43 minutes ago -
Ukraine agriculture minister held for alleged corruption
53 minutes ago -
China calls Germany spy claims 'pure fabrication'
1 hour ago -
Singapore expects 1-3 pct growth this year
1 hour ago -
Hong Kong's Hang Seng Tech Index rises over 5 pct
1 hour ago
-
New Zealand business sector R&D expenditure hits 2.21 bln USD
1 hour ago -
3 dead after mini car falls into west Japan paddy field
1 hour ago -
Chinese shares higher at midday Friday
1 hour ago -
Myanmar plans to export 2,000 tons of coffee in 2024-25 fiscal year
1 hour ago -
Chinese shares close higher Friday
1 hour ago -
Pro-Palestinian US campus protests grow as police crack down
2 hours ago