The year 2018 is probably going to be a year of significant archaeological importance. Great numbers of archaeological discoveries have been made throughout the year that are amazing, fascinating & mysterious as well. Recently in the last of the month of November, another great discovery has been made which is going to be discussed below:
Discovery of eight new mummies
Recently, archaeologists have uncovered eight decorated sarcophagus along with mummies which were buried near the pyramid of Pharaoh Amenemhat II in Dahshur necropolis, south of Cairo, the capital of modern Egypt. Egypt’s Ministry of Antiquities has announced this discovery on Facebook on 28th November.
This discovery was led by a team of archaeologists by Dr. Mustapha Waziri from the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Egypt. They started their excavation in an area to the south-west of the White pyramid last August & recently discovered the eight sarcophagi all of which belong to the Late Kingdom period.
The Dahshur necropolis
Dahshur necropolis is located in the desert in the west bank of the Nile in Giza Governorate approximately 40 km south of Cairo. Necropolis refers to the area which is used for the burial activities. Dahshur necropolis belonged to the period from the Old Kingdom to the New Kingdom of ancient Egypt.
Dahshur is famous in Egyptian archaeology as it represents one of the rich royal burial sites. especially for the well-known Bent Pyramid of Pharaoh Sneferu. Other important pyramids & burials were also found at this site. Thus this new discovery again has highlighted Dahshur’s significance in unfolding ancient Egypt.
Reflection of glamorous Egyptian art
The newly discovered eight sarcophagi reflect the well-known glamorous execution of ancient Egyptian art. All the eight sarcophagi are made of limestone. All are decorated with beautifully painted human forms.
The condition of the mummies
While the sarcophagi are found almost in intact condition, the mummies are not. Only three out of eight mummies are in good & well-preserved condition. Other are in very poor condition.
The mummified remains are covered with a layer of papier mache & plaster. According to Daily Mail news media, the papers were painted with a bright color to resemble the human form.
Whom the mummies belong to?
This necropolis was used for burial practices of high official persons of the court of Pharaoh. Thus, these mummies may have been of some high-ranked officials or senior persons of high royal status.
