Ancient Tombs & Artifacts Unearthed in Saqqara

The Saqqara archaeological site continues to reveal its ancient secrets. Recent discoveries by the Egyptian-Japanese archaeological mission have shed new light on the region's history, uncovering mastabas, tombs, and burials that significantly expand the known boundaries of Saqqara’s necropolis.

Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, praised the efforts of both Egyptian and foreign archaeological missions for their invaluable contributions to unveiling the secrets of ancient Egyptian civilization.

During excavations on Saqqara’s eastern slope, the joint mission of the Supreme Council of Antiquities and Japan’s Kanazawa University uncovered four tombs from the late Second Dynasty and early Third Dynasty, as well as over ten burials from the 18th Dynasty of the New Kingdom.

Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, emphasized the importance of these findings. The discoveries suggest that the current boundaries of Saqqara extend further north than previously believed. Moreover, the burials from the 18th Dynasty confirm that Saqqara's use as a necropolis began when Memphis was reestablished as Egypt’s capital following the expulsion of the Hyksos.

Mohamed Abdel-Badie, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, provided additional details about the tombs. Two mastabas, built with mudbrick, and two rock-cut tombs were discovered. One tomb, located near Saqqara’s northern plateau, features a limestone-sealed shaft leading to a burial chamber. The other mastaba, adjacent to the rocky slope, includes a mudbrick superstructure and a rectangular burial shaft at its center. Artifacts found nearby include an alabaster plate, a solid cylindrical vessel likely dating to the late Second Dynasty or early Third Dynasty, and a limestone sealing, which will undergo further excavation in future seasons.

Dr. Nozomu Kawai, the Japanese mission leader, highlighted additional efforts in restoration and cleaning. The team worked on the Greco-Roman catacombs discovered during previous excavations. While cleaning, they uncovered mummified human remains and artifacts, including terracotta models of funerary shrines, fragments of terracotta heads depicting Isis and Aphrodite, and pieces of wooden coffins and pottery.

The mission plans to continue its excavations in upcoming seasons, aiming to uncover more of Saqqara’s rich history and mysteries.