An impressive collection of 2,500-year-old ancient Egyptian artifacts was showcased today at the famous Saqqara necropolis.
The makeshift exhibit was located at the foot of the Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara, according to the Associated Press. All relics shown today at the media event date back to the Late Period of ancient Egypt (around 664 to 332 BCE) and were excavated at Saqqara, the necropolis (cemetery) associated with the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis.
Painted coffins
Among the many items on display were painted sarcophagi with well-preserved mummies still inside. As the AP reports, upwards of 250 well-preserved coffins were on display at the media event.
Headless Imhotep
Also on display was a headless bronze statue depicting Imhotep, the chancellor to the ancient Egyptian Pharoah Djoser, who ruled from 2630 to 2611 BCE. Imhotep, it is believed, oversaw the construction of the Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara.
So many statues
Glass displays were filled with Late Period bronze statues of ancient Egyptian deities. Today’s media event took place at the Sacred Animal Necropolis of North Saqqara.
The Step Pyramid of Djoser
The new archaeological artifacts were found near the Step Pyramid of Djoser. Saqqara is located 15 miles (24 kilometers) southwest of Cairo.
Delivering the good news
Mostafa Waziri, head of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, spoke to reporters earlier today. According to Waziri, the recovered bronze vessels were used during rituals to worship Isis, the ancient Egyptian goddess of fertility, as reported in the Associated Press.
Bronze statues
A closer view of the Late Period bronze statues.
In remarkably good condition
The artifacts were found in a very good state of preservation. These figurines, though a bit scuffed, don’t look their age; the items were manufactured around 2,500 years ago.
Colourful coffins
A decorated coffin, showing intricately drawn patterns.
A closer look
A close-up view of a painted sarcophagus.
Hieroglyphics
A zoomed-in view of hieroglyphic inscriptions on a wooden sarcophagus.
Makeshift exhibit
Reporters and experts attending today’s media event.
Next stop: The Grand Egyptian Museum
The artifacts will eventually go on display at the upcoming Grand Egyptian Museum, which is still in the midst of being built near the Giza Pyramids.