From the pyramids, to the Nile and the Valley of the Kings, Egypt has plenty of attractions for tourists. Perhaps though, the most famous are the mummies.
Mummies are the preserved bodies of animals and humans. Mummification was an integral part of the rituals for the dead in ancient Egypt. It was viewed as one of the steps for helping a person live well in the afterlife. In many cases it became a status symbol for the wealthy.
Recently, Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced that 100 wooden coffins had been discovered inside burial shafts inside Saqqara, a necropolis south of Cairo. Some of these coffins have well preserved mummies inside. 40 gold-plated statues of the deity Ptah Soker, 20 wooden boxes of the god Horus and two statues of Phnomus were also discovered. The find dates back to the Late Period from 664 to 332 BC.
Saqqara is part of the necropolis of Egypt’s ancient capital of Memphis. The pyramids of Giza are part of the area, as well as some other smaller pyramids. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in the 1970s, Saqqara continues to reveal new treasures, and it is expected that new announcements are forthcoming.
Some of the recently discovered artifacts will be on display as the Egyptian museum in Tahir. They will be given as a gift for the museum’s 118th anniversary. At least three other Cairo museums will have some of the items on display as well, including the Grand Egyptian Museum that is being built near the Giza Pyramids.
Cana Creative Travel and Tours can help you explore classic Egypt and take a Nile Cruise. Contact us today at fg@canacreativetravel.com or 416-249-0972 to find out how we can help you plan for your vacation.