Saqqara Necropolis |ancient tombs of ‘secret keeper’ tomb, gold-leaf-covered mummy
SAQQARA, Egypt — Egypt unveiled Thursday a gold-laced mummy and four tombs, including of an ancient king’s “secret keeper,” discovered in the Saqqara necropolis south of Cairo.
New archaeological finds in Saqqara
The Tomb of the “Secret Guardian” and other tombs The largest of the four tombs discovered was built for a priest and overseer named Khnumddschedef, Hawass explained. Decorated with scenes of everyday life at the time, it was discovered in the pyramid complex of Unas, the last king of the Fifth Dynasty, who reigned some 4,300 years ago. Another tomb belonged to Meri, who, according to Hawass, served as the pharaoh’s “secret guardian”. It was a priestly title worn by a high-ranking palace official. The title gave him the right to perform certain religious rituals.
View into one of the 4300 year old tombs in Saqqara The third tomb, according to Hawas, was built for a priest named Messi in the pyramid complex of Pharaoh Pepi I, and the fourth belonged to a judge and scribe named Fetek. The head of Egypt’s Supreme Antiquities Council, Mostafa Wasiri, said Fetek’s tomb contained the “largest statues” ever discovered in the area.
The ancient necropolis of Saqqara The Saqqara Necropolis is a vast necropolis on the site of Egypt’s former capital, Memphis. The UNESCO World Heritage Site includes more than a dozen pyramids and ancient Christian Copt monasteries. In 2022, the discovery of hundreds of sarcophagi was a sensation.
