20 Unopened Ancient Egyptian Coffins Discovered & the Search for Nefertiti | Ancient Architects
Archaeologists have discovered more than 20 ancient wooden coffins near the Egyptian city of Luxor, with brightly coloured decorations still clearly visible.
According to the press statement, they were discovered as the ancient Egyptians left them, totally undisturbed and intact.
They were found at the Theban necropolis of Al-Assasif on the River Nile’s West Bank an the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities say it is one of the largest and most important discoveries in recent years.
Generally, nobles and high officials were buried at the site during pharaonic times and although officials are yet to disclose the period the coffins date from, it is likely they are from the late period.
This find comes less than a week after Egyptian authorities published details of another major discovery in Luxor. Archaeologists discovered an ancient industrial site that was once used to produce decorative items, funerary furniture and pottery for royal tombs.
Not many people know what is happening in Egypt right now, and although the headlines reach the western media, there is so much more activity underway and it is being lead by Dr Zahi Hawass.
He is currently searching for the tomb of Queen Nefertiti and the tomb of Queen Ankhesenamun, the wife of Tutankhamen and they are expecting to find them between the tombs of King Amenhotep III and King Ay.
The new Grand Egyptian Museum opens next year, which, aside from the Giza Pyramids and the Valley of the Kings, will be the main focal point for the tourists. In all honesty, Egypt needs a major new find now more than ever and although the finding of 20 unopened coffins and a workshop have hit the headlines in the western media, such finds won’t do a great deal for tourism. They need a new, huge royal find to drive tourism to the new museum and by the extent of the work currently underway, they may well just find it.
All images are taken from Google Images for educational purposes only.
Previous video on the hunt for the Tomb of Queen Nefertiti: https://youtu.be/PNTHl3oCjsY "