Archaeologists have been unveiling the latest discoveries from the Saqqara necropolis, or city of the dead, south of Egypt's capital, Cairo.
Two tombs dating from between 3,000 and 4,200 years ago are of a royal scribe and a butler.Another find is of the sarcophagi of a priest and his female companion from the 12th dynasty (1991-1786 BC).
Saqqara holds a number of temples and tombs. Officials say perhaps only 30% of its treasures have been discovered.
The tomb of the royal scribe dates to the period of the pharaoh Akhenaten, who was known for discarding Egypt's old gods. His rule was between 1379 and 1362 BC, shortly before Tutankhamen.
The second tomb belongs to a butler who died 3,350 years ago and contains well-preserved blue and orange paints with scenes of animals and rituals.
The second find was of the 4,000-year-old anthropoid, or humanlike, wooden coffins of the priest Sobek Hat and his female companion.They have not yet been opened and the mummies inside remain intact.
Link & Image: BBC
Tags: Egypt | Saqqara
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