Egypt Unveils A Trove Of Ancient Bronze Statues & Sarcophagi In Saqqara

When most people think of Egypt, they imagine the Pyramids of Giza and the iconic Sphinx. However, this historic and fascinating land has so much more to offer. New wonders are still being uncovered on a regular basis by local archaeologists.

Meanwhile, the latest treasure trove includes a large cache of 150 bronze statues, dating back to the Late Period (5th century BC) of Egyptian history. This is the first and largest discovery to be made in the cemetery of the sacred animals in Saqqara. But that wasn’t all – read on to find out what other treasures have been uncovered in the area.

Bronze statues and sarcophagi found in Saqqara, Egypt

The announcement was made by the Supreme Council of Antiquities in Egypt after they unveiled the latest discovery. Among the treasures are 150 bronze statues and 250 intact, closed wooden coffins containing mummies.

As noted by the Guardian, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities revealed the large trove of colored sarcophagi and ancient bronze statues to the public on Monday. Reportedly, archaeologists had found relics, belonging to Egyptian dynasties in the Saqqara necropolis in the past. However, the latest find is the first and largest of its kind in the area from the Late Period or 5th century BC.

According to the experts, the bronze statues were modeled after pharaonic gods. These included Anubis, the protector of the graves, Nefertem, the god of creation of the day, and Amun, the god of the sun and air.

The Egyptian archaeological mission has been working in the area, around 18 miles south of Cairo, since 2018. Meanwhile, archaeologists also uncovered bronze pots, believed to have been used in prayer rituals for the goddess of fertility, Isis.

Moreover, 250 colored, wooden sarcophagi were discovered in the area. Each contains well-preserved mummies, wooden masks painted with gold paint, wooden statues and many cat figurines.

Besides these, the archaeologists also uncovered a cache of New Kingdom-era artifacts. These include a bronze mirror, necklaces, bracelets, earrings and anklets. It is believed these artifacts date back to the 15th century BC.

Grand Egyptian Museum

Meanwhile, the Supreme Council of Antiquities in Egypt released photos of the bronze statues, wooden sarcophagi and artifacts on display to the public in Saqqara. Moreover, on their Instagram account, they stated that the statues, sarcophagi and artifacts, found in the cemetery of the sacred animals in Saqqara, will be on display at the Grand Egyptian Museum.

According to an international website for the Grand Egyptian Museum, this will be the latest archaeological museum complex in the world. While originally, the museum was planned to open in 2020, this was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is now anticipated that the Grand Egyptian Museum will open in November 2022.

Meanwhile, the museum will host more than 100,000 artifacts. Among them, visitors will see for the first time ever King Tut’s entire treasure collection. These will be displayed along with artifacts relating to pre-historic times. Moreover, those relating to Egypt’s pharaonic civilization through to ancient Greek and Roman periods of Egyptian history.

Anyone with a keen interest in history, particularly that related to Egypt, will have a wonderful time exploring the museum, along with the latest additions found in Saqqara.