An Egyptian archeology mission working on the west bank of the Nile has discovered 30 intact and sealed coffins of 22nd Dynasty priests and priestesses of Egypt's deities Amun and Khonsu. During the 10th century BC, almost 3000 years ago, tomb robbers were widespread in Egypt, stealing the funerary collections found in tombs and destroying coffins and mummies. Pharaonic priests would often hide coffins to protect them. Some of the coffins are fully painted with scenes from the book of the dead and the titles of the deceased, while others are partly painted, and a few are plain. The coffins will be restored before being transported to the Grand Egyptian Museum for display in a special hall.
30 Intact, Sealed, and Painted Coffins Unearthed in Luxor, Egypt
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Some of the coffins are fully painted with scenes from the book of the dead and the titles of the deceased, exactly as the scriptures painted on the tomb's murals. (H. Elrasam/VOA)
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The coffins will be restored in order to be transported to the Grand Egyptian Museum to be on display in a special hall. (H. Elrasam/VOA)
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Tourists who were coming to visit Hatshepsut's temple were surprised to see the newly discovered painted coffins. (H. Elrasam/VOA)
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El Anany pointed out that he is proud of the work of the archaeologists in Luxor, as this is the first Cachette to be discovered by Egyptian archaeologists. (H. Elrasam/VOA)
